{"id":46313,"date":"2018-01-19T08:00:15","date_gmt":"2018-01-19T16:00:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/news\/?p=46313"},"modified":"2018-01-23T05:28:26","modified_gmt":"2018-01-23T13:28:26","slug":"mike-pence-jerusalem-evangelicals-and-the-end-of-the-world","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/news\/prophecy\/mike-pence-jerusalem-evangelicals-and-the-end-of-the-world\/","title":{"rendered":"Mike Pence, Jerusalem, Evangelicals, and the ‘End of the World’"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"
\nMike Pence
\n<\/em><\/p>\n

COGwriter<\/a><\/p>\n

United States’ Vice President Michael Pence is again going to Israel:<\/p>\n

January 19, 2018<\/p>\n

\n

WASHINGTON (AP) \u2014 Vice President Mike Pence is making his fifth visit to Israel, returning to a region he\u2019s visited \u201ca million times\u201d in his heart.<\/p>\n

An evangelical Christian with strong ties to the Holy Land, Pence this time comes packing two key policy decisions in his bags that have long been top priorities for him: designating Jerusalem as Israel\u2019s capital and curtailing aid for Palestinians.<\/p>\n

Since his days in Congress a decade ago, Pence has played a role in pushing both for the shift in U.S. policy related to the capital and for placing limits on funding for Palestinian causes long criticized by Israel.<\/p>\n

Traveling to Israel just as Palestinians have condemned recent decisions by President Donald Trump\u2019s administration, Pence will arrive in the region as a longtime stalwart supporter of Israel who has questioned the notion of the U.S. serving as an \u201chonest broker\u201d in the stalled peace process.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe United States certainly wants to be honest but we don\u2019t want to be a broker,\u201d Pence once told the Christian Broadcasting Network in 2010. \u201cA broker doesn\u2019t take sides. A broker negotiates between parties of equals.\u201d<\/p>\n

The vice president will hold four days of meetings in Egypt, Jordan and Israel during his visit, the first to the region by a senior administration official since Trump announced plans in December to designate Jerusalem as Israel\u2019s capital and begin the process of moving the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv, angering Palestinian leaders. …<\/p>\n

His trip will also follow Tuesday\u2019s announcement that the U.S. is withholding $65 million of a planned $125 million funding installment to the U.N. Relief and Works Agency, which provides health care, education and social services to Palestinians in the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon.<\/p>\n

Both decisions have come as Trump has expressed frustration over a lack of progress in restarting peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians, who withdrew plans to meet with Pence during his visit to the Middle East. …<\/p>\n

On the embassy, Pence played a steady role in pushing for the shift in U.S. policy. The decision upended past U.S. views that Jerusalem\u2019s status should be decided in negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians, who claim east Jerusalem as the capital of their future state.<\/p>\n

Pence had wanted the Trump administration to convey \u201ca clear-cut policy\u201d on Jerusalem after the president asked him last summer to visit the Middle East, White House officials have said.<\/p>\n

Pence discussed the issue with Jewish and evangelical leaders in the months leading up to the decision and advocated for the plan within the administration. But he noted to religious leaders late last year that the decision was the president\u2019s alone and would fulfill a commitment from the 2016 campaign.<\/p>\n

Pence has long aligned himself with Israel. https:\/\/www.apnews.com\/1595f903d2104329b9850026d148ce91\/Pence-has-long-pushed-for-Trump-policies-on-Israel<\/a><\/p>\n

January 19, 2018<\/p>\n

Vice President Mike Pence is scheduled to travel to the Middle East Friday, one month after world leaders condemned the U.S.’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. CBS News’ White House and senior foreign affairs correspondent Margaret Brennan said Pence wants to use this trip to emphasize how important his evangelical beliefs are not only to him, “but to the Trump base and to Trump supporters.” https:\/\/www.cbsnews.com\/news\/analysis-vp-mike-pence-middle-east-trip-diplomacy-religion\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Newsweek<\/em> and the BBC<\/em> reported reasons that ‘Evangelicals’ support the Trump\/Pence Administration’s policies on Jerusalem. The following is from Newsweek<\/em>:<\/p>\n

Evangelical Christians overwhelmingly support President Donald Trump because they believe he’ll cause the world to end.<\/p>\n

Many have questioned<\/a> why devout evangelicals support Trump, a man who has bragged about sexual assault, lies perpetually\u00a0and once admitted he never asks God for forgiveness<\/a>. Trump\u2019s lack of knowledge of the Bible is also well-known.<\/p>\n

Nevertheless, many evangelical Christians believe that Trump was chosen by God to usher in a new era, a part of history called the \u201cend\u00a0times.\u201d\u00a0Beliefs about this time period differ, but it is broadly considered the end of the world, the time when Jesus returns to Earth and judges all people.<\/p>\n

Jerusalem\u00a0has a central role as the city of prophecy and the place where the end of times plays out. According to the prophecy, a\u00a01,000-year period of peace must be followed by seven years of tribulation, during which wars, disease, and natural disasters will lay waste to the earth. In the book of Revelation, Israel is described as a nation that exists during the time of tribulation, and Jerusalem’s Jewish temple is resurrected during this period.\u00a0The last temple was destroyed<\/a> around 70 A.D, and today there is a mosque on the Temple Mount where the previous two temples are believed to have stood. Evangelicals believe that a unified Israel with control over Jerusalem will facilitate the construction of a new Jewish temple, and set the groundwork for the end of times.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s where Trump comes in.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat kick-starts the end times into motion is Israel\u2019s political boundaries being reestablished to what God promised the Israelites according to the Bible,\u201d Nate Pyle, a pastor and author of a book about Jesus, told Newsweek<\/em>. …<\/p>\n

Currently,\u00a0over half of all American evangelicals<\/a> support Trump\u2019s presidency, and the announcement about Jerusalem plays a big role in that.<\/p>\n

\u201cMost evangelicals subscribe to a belief in pre-millennialism, the belief that the second coming of Christ will begin a 1,000-year period where Christ will rule over a peaceful and prosperous earth,\u201d Neil J. Young, a religion historian, told Newsweek<\/em>.\u00a0Young, who holds a Ph.D. in history from Columbia University, writes frequently on evangelical culture and politics<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cIsrael is a key part of this story, too, as Christians believe that events there are fundamental to bringing about the end times,\u201d Young continued. \u201cAt this point, Trump’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel is the only concrete thing that his evangelical supporters can point to as part of fulfilling biblical prophecy to bring about the second coming of Christ.” …<\/p>\n

For some, evangelicals simultaneously hold views that are supportive of Israel and deeply anti-Semitic.<\/p>\n

\u201cEvangelicals view themselves as sympathetic to Israel, but the underlying belief is motivated by a desire to see the Jewish people \u2018turn to Jesus,’\u201d Blake Chastain, a former evangelical who hosts a podcast on evangelicalism, told Newsweek<\/em>.\u00a0Chastain, who grew up in an evangelical family, dedicates his time to explaining what he calls the “subculture” of evangelicalism<\/a>. He said\u00a0the evangelical belief that Jews will eventually accept Jesus is problematic.<\/p>\n

“I\u2019m not sure evangelicals see that as offensive to the Jewish faith or dismissive of the covenants God made with the Jewish people, but it certainly seems so to me,\u201d Chastain added.<\/p>\n

To be sure, Trump\u2019s stance on Jerusalem isn\u2019t the only reason evangelicals support him. During his campaign for president, Trump\u00a0promised to protect religious liberties and elect anti-choice\u00a0Supreme Court Justices.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe was so specific about protecting Christian liberties, it wasn\u2019t holistically religious liberties,\u201d Pyle explains. \u201cThat spoke to a lot of Christians, and then he also has this stance on Israel.\u201d 01\/12\/18 http:\/\/www.newsweek.com\/trump-will-bring-about-end-worldevangelicals-end-times-779643<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

So, Newsweek believes that evangelical desires for ‘the end of the world’ are a factor in them supporting Donald Trump. Before going further, let me state that ‘the end of the world’ will NOT happen during the first term of the Trump\/Pence Administration (watch also Can the Great Tribulation begin in 2018?<\/a>).<\/p>\n

The BBC<\/em> reported the following:<\/p>\n

\n

Why do US evangelicals support Trump\u2019s Jerusalem policy?<\/h2>\n

US Vice-President Mike Pence\u2019s trip to Israel has been postponed, amid Palestinian protests against the US decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel\u2019s capital. But why does the move remain popular with evangelical Christians in the US? \u2026
\n<\/strong>Jerusalem is important to all Christians. But the city, and Israel, is especially significant to some.<\/p>\n

This is where the End Times comes in.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s a segment of Christianity that believes the creation of the state of Israel (in 1948) was the fulfilment of prophecy,\u201d says Prof Christopher Rollston from George Washington University.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot just a good thing \u2013 but the fulfilment of prophecy.\u201d<\/p>\n

The idea was popularised in a best-selling book called The Late, Great Planet Earth, released in 1970.<\/p>\n

The slim paperback, by American author Hal Lindsey, said world events \u2013 including the creation of Israel \u2013 were proving the Bible correct.<\/p>\n

To some Christians, the book validated their beliefs. It also meant the end of the world as we know it \u2013 which the Bible also predicts \u2013 was near. Not all Evangelicals share this apocalyptic view. But some do, including a group called premillennialists.<\/p>\n

They believe in a Great Tribulation \u2013 that is, a period of war and destruction \u2013 before a thousand years of peace.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey believe there will be, ultimately, an apocalyptic end of the age,\u201d says Prof Rollston. \u201cReplete with the Battle of Armageddon, the Mark of the Beast, these sorts of things.\u201d<\/p>\n

So what is the connection to End Times<\/a> and Donald Trump recognising Jerusalem as Israel\u2019s capital?<\/p>\n

Again, says Prof Rollston, it stems from the belief that Israel\u2019s creation was foretold in the Bible.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnything that\u2019s supportive of the modern state of Israel, for them is a good thing,\u201d he says. \u201cIt\u2019s not data driven.\u201d<\/p>\n

Prof Rollston goes to an Episcopal (Anglican) church, but grew up around evangelicalism. He finds premillennialism \u201centirely unconvincing and a misappropriation of scripture\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey will cite this text or that text,\u201d he says. \u201cBut they\u2019re citing it entirely out of context.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Reverend Johnnie Moore agrees that some evangelicals hold premillennial, or dispensationalist, beliefs. But he thinks it\u2019s a \u201cvery, very small group\u201d, whose influence is exaggerated. \u2026 David Brog, executive director of Christians United for Israel.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere is a widespread myth that Christians support Israel to speed the End Times,\u201d he says. \u201cThat\u2019s simply not true.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnyone who understands the theology \/ eschatology of pro-Israel Christians knows they believe they are powerless to change the date of End Times.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf they are powerless to speed this day, their support for Israel must be driven by other motives.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn the case of Jerusalem, we support President Trump\u2019s decision because it is an act of historic justice \u2013 and an overdue recognition of modern reality.\u201d 01\/05\/18 http:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/world-us-canada-42402350<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The BBC<\/em> report referred to several evangelical leaders that downplayed the prophetic reasons for support. So, here is a report from another source:<\/p>\n

\n
\n
Evangelical Christians have been among Israel\u2019s most fervent supporters both politically and financially. Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, president of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews,<\/a> has raised $1.4 billion for Israel from evangelical Christian donors, many of whom say they give up luxuries like a daily Starbucks latte and donate the money to Israel instead. \u2026<\/div>\n

For them, he says, the return of the Jewish people to Israel is the fulfillment of a biblical prophecy and a condition for the future return of Jesus Christ as the Messiah.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese Pentecostal Christians are based much more on a literal interpretation of the Bible as opposed to religious authority,\u201d Eckstein said. \u201cThey often quote Genesis Chapter 12, Verse 3,<\/a> where God promises Abraham that \u201cthose who bless you will be blessed and those who curse you will be cursed.\u201d<\/p>\n

Yet there is some evidence that younger evangelicals don\u2019t feel the same way.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot all evangelicals believe that Israel is the harbinger of the Second Coming,\u201d said Rabbi David Rosen, international director of interreligious affairs at the American Jewish Committee. \u201cSurveys show that there is less support for Israel among younger evangelicals than among those who are older.\u201d<\/p>\n

According to the Pew Research Center\u2019s study on religion in the United States, in 2013 more than 80% of white evangelicals believed that God gave the Land of Israel to the Jews. A new study released earlier this month by the Nashville, Tennessee-based LifeWay Research found that 40% of younger evangelicals (age 18\u201334) had no strong feelings about Israel. 01\/04\/18 https:\/\/forward.com\/news\/391348\/pence-faces-cold-shoulder-as-palestinian-christians-feel-betrayed-by-evange\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n

In general, evangelicals correctly believe that the following scriptures have meaning for now:<\/p>\n

6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
\n\u201cMay they prosper who love you.
\n7 Peace be within your walls,
\nProsperity within your palaces.\u201d (Psalm 122:6-7)<\/p>\n

1<\/span> Now the Lord had said to Abram: \u201cGet out of your country, From your family And from your father\u2019s house, To a land that I will show you. <\/span>2<\/span> I will make you a great nation; I will bless you And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing. <\/span>3<\/span> I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.\u201d(Genesis 12:1-3)<\/span><\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n

I have heard Hal Lindsey point to the blessing promise in Genesis 12:3. Many evangelicals believe that blessings will happen to those who pray for the peace of Jerusalem and who support the Jewish state.<\/p>\n

Before going further, let me interject that another reason for evangelical support for Donald Trump and Mike Pence is that the US evangelicals saw suppression of their views on matters of abortion and sexuality rising in the USA. Despite the fact that Donald Trump has a history of violating biblical guidelines on speaking and sexual morality, many evangelicals saw him as the only real option to stop the pushing of certain matters (like the LGBTQ agenda) that the Obama Administration promoted and that a Hillary Clinton Administration would have expanded.<\/p>\n

That being said, contrary to how the BBC<\/em> downplayed it, the reality is that prophetically-oriented evangelicals believe that support of the State of Israel is important for prophetic reasons.<\/p>\n

Specifically, many believe that since animal sacrifices will be re implemented and later stopped (Daniel 9:27; 11:31), that the State of Israel is necessary for a \u2018Third Temple\u2019 to be built in Jerusalem.<\/p>\n

This is consistent with what evangelical prophecy leaders such as Hal Lindsey and the late Tim LaHaye have written (see Why is a Jewish Temple in Jerusalem Not Required?<\/a>).<\/p>\n

They also tend to believe that since a peace deal is indicated by Daniel 9:27 that the Jewish state needs to exist for that.<\/p>\n

Many also believe that the \u201cbudding of the fig tree\u201d statement by Jesus refers to the start of the State of Israel in 1948. Here is what Jesus actually stated:<\/p>\n

32 \u201cNow learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. 33 So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near \u2014 at the doors! 34 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. 35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. (Matthew 24:32-35)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The late Protestant\/Baptist scholar Dr. Walvoord wrote:<\/p>\n

Matthew 24:32-35; Mark 13:28-21; Luke 21:29-33<\/em> \u2026 A common interpretation has been to interpret the fig tree as a type of Israel and the revival of Israel as the budding of the fig tree \u2026 there is no scriptural basis (Walvoord JF. Prophecy Handbook. Victor Books, 1990, pp. 390-391)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Not only was Dr. Walvoord correct that there is no scriptural basis, I will take it a step further.\u00a0 Unless a generation is over 70 years, it is NOT POSSIBLE THAT THE FORMATION OF THE STATE OF ISRAEL IN 1948 FULFILLED THE PARABLE OF THE FIG TREE IN MATTHEW, MARK, OR LUKE.<\/p>\n

Why?<\/p>\n

Jesus noted that the events in Matthew 24. Mark 13, and Luke 21 would all happen within the same generation.\u00a0 Biblically, a generation was normally considered only 30 or 40 years according to what seems to be Smith\u2019s Bible Dictionary\u2019s <\/em>understanding of Job 42:16 (Smith W. Smith\u2019s Bible Dictionary.\u00a0 Originally written 1863, Hendrickson Publishers, p.\u00a0 211).\u00a0 Here is that scripture:<\/p>\n

16 After this Job lived one hundred and forty years, and saw his children and grandchildren for four generations. (Job 42:16)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Essentially, 140 years divided by four generations equals what may be considered 35 years per generation, with 40 years more probable as that would make the grandchild of the last generation 20 years of age.<\/p>\n

Even if a generation is biblically longer, it would not seem to be over 70 years or maybe 80:<\/p>\n

10 The days of our lives are seventy years;
\nAnd if by reason of strength they are eighty years,
\nYet their boast is only labor and sorrow;
\nFor it is soon cut off, and we fly away.\u00a0 (Psalms 90:10)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

70 years would seem to be the maximum length of a biblical generation.\u00a0 Since the Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:21) cannot possibly start prior to 2018 (and likely later, see When Will the Great Tribulation Begin?<\/a> and\/or watch Can the Great Tribulation begin in 2018?<\/a>) and Jesus cannot return until 3 1\/2 years later, if Jesus\u2019 reference to \u201cthis generation\u201d meant 70 years or less, then it is not biblically possible that the view that the formation of the State of Israel was the first sign to count the fulfillment of much of Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21.<\/p>\n

As far as evangelical prophetic beliefs about the peace deal and the \u2018Third Temple,\u2019 let me state that partially because of how they interpret Daniel 9:27, most will NOT know when the deal of Daniel 9:27 has been confirmed.<\/p>\n

Furthermore, most prophetically-inclined evangelicals believe that a \u2018Third Temple\u2019 must be built in Jerusalem before the millennium.<\/p>\n

Yet, scripture shows that the Jews do NOT need a \u2018Third Temple\u2019 per se to sacrifice in accordance with practices shown in Ezra:<\/p>\n

6 From the first day of the seventh month began they to offer burnt offerings unto the LORD. But the foundation of the temple of the LORD was not yet laid. (Ezra 3:6)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

One may argue that since it takes the participation of Jewish religious leaders in order for Jewish animal sacrifices to be resumed, that the above scripture is a moot point.<\/p>\n

And it might be, if there were no Jewish religious leaders that thought that they could not sacrifice without a temple.<\/p>\n

But the fact is, that although they are in the minority, there are significant numbers of Jewish religious leaders who are intent on starting animal sacrifices as soon as possible.\u00a0 And these Jewish leaders do not believe that they have to wait for a temple to be rebuilt in order to do so.<\/p>\n

Notice the following:<\/p>\n

The 71 members of the \u201cRe-established Sanhedrin\u201d say they want to begin sacrificing animals again, despite the absence of the Temple, the ritual altar and all the required implements listed in the Bible. Rabbi Dov Stein of the group admitted\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cWe want to do the sacrifice, but we have political problems,\u201d Stein said. \u201cWe hope there will come a time when the government will agree. We will push for that to happen.\u201d (Rabbis aim to renew animal sacrifices<\/em>. Associated Press. Feb 28, 2007. http:\/\/www.jpost.com)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The \u201cSanhedrin\u201d group referred to above began to form in 2004 and claims to have \u201cthe consent of hundreds of rabbis, scholars and leaders\u201d (http:\/\/www.thesanhedrin.org\/en\/index.php\/The_Sanhedrin_Initiative viewed 09\/11\/08).\u00a0\u00a0 It also has been working on implements, including those related to having an altar.<\/p>\n

Notice something from the leader of the Sanhedrin:<\/p>\n

\n

April 19, 2016<\/p>\n

Breaking Israel News<\/em> asked Rabbi Hillel Weiss, secretary of the Nascent Sanhedrin, if the mitzvah of korban pesach is incumbent upon the Jews today by Jewish law, despite the lack of a Temple or an altar. \u201cOf course. There isn\u2019t even a question,\u201d Rabbi Weiss answered. \u201cThere is nothing in Jewish law that prevents us from performing this sacrifice. The only obstacle is the government that will not allow the Jews to do this great mitzvah, so the sin is on them, and not, God forbid, on the Jewish people.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Sanhedrin established a committee in 2004 concerning the korban pesach to work in cooperation with all religious, legal, and administrative authorities. The committee has attempted several times to obtain the government\u2019s permission. Legal documents were sent to the Prime Minister, the Supreme Court, and the Chief of Police. The Prime Minister did not respond. The Supreme Court appeared to uphold the right to perform the sacrifice, but denied it on grounds of security. This answer was reiterated by the Chief of Police.<\/p>\n

Indeed, the korban pesach<\/em> is not dependent on the presence of a Temple and continued long after the Second Temple was destroyed. http:\/\/www.breakingisraelnews.com\/66076\/passover-sacrifice-makes-comeback-overlooking-temple-mount-photos\/#zchLRxxm8yeAtXsO.99<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

This group has made some attempts to offer sacrifices in the past, but has often run into political opposition.\u00a0Israeli courts have generally agreed that Jews have the right to perform animal sacrifices, but have repeatedly denied this right as the timing would have excessively negative consequences. And to rebuild a temple in the area that the Muslims consider sacred would be even more problematic politically\u2013especially at this instant. Yet, because the Muslims have a strong presence at the site of the old Temple Mount (Har HaBayit) with their al-Aqsa Mosque, some consider the actual construction of a Jewish temple there to be impossible.<\/p>\n

Though it may well take a war, peace deal, and\/or political gridlock for that to happen.<\/p>\n

But it will come to pass. The Sanhedrin wants it (watch also Sanhedrin pushing animal sacrifices<\/a>). In late 2016, they appointed Rabbi Baruch Kahane as the next\u00a0Kohen Gadol<\/em>\u2013high priest (see Reconstituted Sanhedrin names high priest in preparation for the restoration of sacrifices; to begin as early as the Day of Atonement?<\/a>). More on the Sanhedrin can be found in the article Nascent Sanhedrin structure and high priest: The plan is to start animal sacrifices\u2013this would fulfill prophecy!<\/a><\/p>\n

Furthermore, perhaps it should be realized that the government of Israel does have a certain amount of respect for Yisrael Ariel, the founder of the Temple Institute. Yisrael Ariel is also a member of the \u201cRe-established Sanhedrin.\u201d Back in September 2013, my son Michael confirmed with someone at the Temple Institute that they were willing and able to begin animal sacrifices without a \u2018Third Temple\u2019\u2013they only needed governmental permission. And the next month, I also personally confirmed that with someone at the Temple Institute when I was in Jerusalem.<\/p>\n

Anyway, despite it being downplayed by some in the BBC article. many evangelicals do have prophetic reasons for their support of Israel. Yet, their interpretation of certain prophecies are in error.<\/p>\n

Partially because of that error, they will NOT know when the Great Tribulation will begin until it is basically too late for many to properly respond to it.<\/p>\n

But you do not have to be like them:<\/p>\n

31\u00a0 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.<\/span> (Luke 21:36)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Some items of possibly related interest may include:<\/em><\/p>\n

Evangelical support for Donald Trump’s Jerusalem policy <\/a>\u00a0BBC asked, “Why do US evangelicals support Trump’s Jerusalem policy?” BBC provided quotes from some believing it has to do with the ‘last days’ while others saying that is not the reason. Hal Lindsey’s book, ‘The Late Great Planet Earth’ is one of the sources pointed to. In this video, Dr. Thiel addresses scriptures related to Jerusalem as well as prophetic ones. He goes over the common ‘fig tree’ interpretation, belief about a ‘Third Temple,’ and statements about animal sacrifices. He explains biblical statements on those subjects as well as the views of certain modern Jewish organizations. This is a video.
\nJerusalem, Donald Trump, and Prophecy <\/a> On December 6, 2017, US President Donald Trump fulfilled a campaign promise related to the recognition of Jerusalem as Israel\u2019s capital. This brought anger, protests, and rockets from some Palestinians. It also brought condemnation from European allies\u2013it has been claimed to be disruptive and even catastrophic. The Palestinian President (Mahmoud Abbas) said that this pronouncement eliminated the USA as being a fair mediator for a peace deal. Others have claimed that Donald Trump is an end time Cyrus and his pronouncement will lead to a Third Temple in Jerusalem. Is there ever going to be a peace deal? If so, will Europeans be part of it? Is Donald Trump a \u2018Cyrus.\u2019 Do the Jews require a Third Temple for sacrifices? Dr. Thiel answer those questions and more in this video.
\nWhy is a Jewish Temple in Jerusalem Not Required?<\/a> Although people like Timothy LaHaye teach a third Jewish temple is required, who is \u2018the temple of God\u201d in the New Testament? Does the Bible require a rebuilt Jewish Temple? Could the old Temple have been somewhere other than the \u201cTemple Mount\u201d? Here is a related article in the Spanish language \u00bfPor qu\u00e9 no se requiere un templo jud\u00edo en Jerusal\u00e9n?<\/a> Here is a link to a sermon titled The Temple, Prophecy, and the Work<\/a>.
\nJerusalem: Past, Present, and Future<\/a> What does the Bible say about Jerusalem and its future? Is Jerusalem going to be divided and eliminated? Is Jesus returning to the area of Jerusalem? There are also two related YouTube videos you can watch: Jerusalem To be divided and eliminated<\/a> and God\u2019s and Satan\u2019s Plan for Jerusalem<\/a>.
\nProtestant and Church of God views of the United States in Bible Prophecy<\/a> Is the USA mentioned in Bible prophecy? Some Protestants say yes, while others say no. What does the Bible really teach? Learn the truth about this. There is also a video available: Is The United States Mentioned In Bible Prophecy?
\n<\/a>Dangerous Protestant Prophetic Errors<\/a> What are some errors that various Protestants hold to that will tend to prevent them from knowing when the Great Tribulation will begin? A related video is titled Ten Dangerous Protestant Prophetic Errors<\/a>.
\nThe Dangerous Rise of Preterists<\/a> Has the Great Tribulation finished? What was the view of early Christians? Why is the preterist view dangerous? A related sermon video is titled Preterism: You\u2019ve Gotta Be Kidding\u2026Right?<\/a>
\nDoes the Church of God need to be headquartered in Jerusalem?<\/a> Some say so. But what does the Bible teach?
\nLocation of the Early Church: Another Look at Ephesus, Smyrna, and Rome<\/a> What actually happened to the primitive Church? And did the Bible tell about this in advance?
\nGaza and the Palestinians in Bible Prophecy<\/a> What does the Bible teach about Gaza and the fate of the Palestinians? Here is a link to a related video: Gaza and Palestine in Prophecy<\/a>.
\nWhy Terrorism? Is Terrorism Prophesied?<\/a> What does the Bible teach? Which nations may be affected? Here is a link to a related sermon: Terrorism, Christianity, and Islam<\/a>.
\nThe \u2018Peace Deal\u2019 of Daniel 9:27<\/a> This prophecy could give up to 3 1\/2 years advance notice of the coming Great Tribulation. Will most ignore or misunderstand its fulfillment? Here is a link to a related sermon video Daniel 9:27 and the Start of the Great Tribulation<\/a>.
\nHope of Salvation: How the Continuing<\/em> Church of God differs from most Protestants<\/a> How the real <\/em>Church of God differs from mainstream\/traditional Protestants, is perhaps the question I am asked most by those without a Church of God background. As far as some changes affecting Protestantism, watch the video Charismatic Kenneth Copeland and Anglican Tony Palmer: Protestants Beware! <\/a> [Portugu\u00eas: Esperan\u00e7a do salva\u00e7\u00e3o: Como a igreja do deus difere da maioria de protestantes<\/a>]. A sermon is also available: How Does the Church of God Differ from Protestantism?<\/a>
\nPrayer: What Does the Bible Teach?<\/a> This free booklet contains 28 biblically-based tips on improving the effectiveness of your prayers. This is a pdf. A related two part sermon is available: <\/span>What Does the Bible Teach About Prayer?<\/a> and <\/span>What does the Bible Teach About Prayer (& Healing)?<\/a>
\n<\/span>Are You Being Called by God?<\/a> Norman Shoaf wrote various points to consider.
\nIs God Calling You?<\/a> Alfred E Carrozzo wrote this.
\nWhat Did Christ Mean \u0013 Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen?<\/a> This article was by Raymond McNair.
\nChristian Repentance<\/a> Do you know what repentance is? Is it really necessary for salvation? A related sermon is also available titled: Real Christian Repentance<\/a>.<\/span>
\nThe Arab and Islamic World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy<\/a> The Bible discusses the origins of the Arab world and discusses the Middle East in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam? What about the Imam Mahdi? What lies ahead for Turkey, Iran, and the other non-Arabic Muslims? An item of possibly related interest in the Spanish language would be: L\u00edderes iran\u00edes condenan la hipocres\u00eda de Occidente y declaran que ahora es tiempo para prepararse para el Armaged\u00f3n, la guerra, y el Im\u00e1n Mahdi<\/a>.
\nThe Times of the Gentiles<\/a> Has there been more than one time of the Gentiles? Are we in it now or in the time of Anglo-America? What will the final time of the Gentiles be like? A related sermon is available and is titled: The Times of the Gentiles<\/a>.<\/span>
\n<\/span>Differences Between Islam and the Continuing<\/em> Church of God<\/a> What are some of the main differences? Are there any similarities? A video of related interest is titled: Islam: Any Christian Concerns or Similarities?<\/a>
\nAnglo \u2013 America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel<\/a> Are the Americans, Canadians, English, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Saxon (non-Dutch) Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to Jerusalem and the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo-Saxon nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first? Here is a link to the Spanish version of this article: Anglo-Am\u00e9rica & las Tribus Perdidas de Israel<\/a>. Information is also in the YouTube sermons titled Where are the Ten Lost Tribes? Why does it matter?<\/a> and British are the Covenant People<\/a>.
\nWill the Anglo-Saxon Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves?<\/a> Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What about Jerusalem? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people? Here is a link to a video titled Will the USA and other Anglo-nations be Divided and Their People Made Slaves? <\/a> Here is a related item in the Spanish language \u00bfSer\u00e1n divididas las naciones anglosajonas?<\/a>
\nWorld War III: Steps in Progress<\/a> Are there surprising actions going on now that are leading to WWIII? Might a nuclear attack be expected? Does the Bible promise protection to all or only some Christians? How can you be part of those that will be protected? A related video would be Is World War III About to Begin? Can You Escape?
\n<\/a>When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2018, 2019, or 2020?<\/a> Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the \u201cbeginning of sorrows\u201d? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? Is this the time of the Gentiles? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? Who are the 144,000? Here is a version of the article in the Spanish language: \u00bfPuede comenzar la Gran Tribulaci\u00f3n en 2018 o 2019? \u00bfEs el Tiempo de los Gentiles?<\/a> You can also see the English language sermon videos: The Great Tribulation from the Mount of Olives<\/a> and Can the Great Tribulation begin before 2020?<\/a> A shorter video is: Can the Great Tribulation begin in 2018?<\/a>
\n<\/a>The Gospel of the Kingdom of God<\/a> This free online pdf booklet has answers many questions people have about the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and explains why it is the solution to the issues the world is facing. Here are links to three related sermons: The World\u2019s False Gospel<\/a>, The Gospel of the Kingdom: From the New and Old Testaments<\/a>, and The Kingdom of God is the Solution<\/a>.
\nDonald Trump in Prophecy<\/a> Prophecy, Donald Trump? Are there prophecies that Donald Trump may fulfill?\u00a0 Are there any prophecies that he has already helped fulfill?\u00a0 Could a Donald Trump presidency be apocalyptic?\u00a0 A related video is titled: Donald: ‘Trump of God’ or Apocalyptic?<\/a>
\nTrump Presidency Magic 8 Ball or Bible Prophecy?<\/a> BBC<\/em> reported that one might as well use a ‘Magic Eight-Ball’ to try to predict what will happen in the remaining time of Donald Trump’s presidency. What is a ‘Magic Eight-Ball’? Dr. Thiel not only explains that, but also briefly goes over 10 biblically-based warnings he wrote would happen if Donald Trump were elected that have already began to come to pass. He also goes over something he wrote back in 2008 that the Trump presidency is also helping lead to fulfillment. Should you trust Bible prophecy or not? Dr. Thiel says that Bible prophecy can be trusted, despite the view of skeptics and others that either overlook or despise the Bible. This is a video.
\nDonald Trump and America\u2019s Apocalypse<\/a> This 188 page book is for people truly interested in prophecies related to Donald Trump and the United States, including learning about several that have already been fulfilled and those that will be fulfilled in the future. The physical book can be purchased at Amazon for $12.99 from the following link: Donald Trump and America\u2019s Apocalypse<\/a>.
\nDonald Trump and America\u2019s Apocalypse-Kindle Edition<\/a> This electronic version of the 188 page print edition is available for only US$3.99. And you do not need an actual Kindle device to read it. Why? Amazon will allow you to download it to almost any device: Please click HERE to download one of Amazon \u0019s Free<\/strong> Reader Apps<\/a>. After you go to for your free Kindle reader and then go to\u00a0Donald Trump and America\u2019s Apocalypse-Kindle Edition<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Mike Pence COGwriter United States’ Vice President Michael Pence is again going to Israel: January 19, 2018 WASHINGTON (AP) \u2014 Vice President Mike Pence is making his fifth visit to Israel, returning to a region he\u2019s visited \u201ca million times\u201d in his heart. An evangelical Christian with strong ties to the Holy Land, Pence this […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-46313","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-prophecy"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t