United Nations Vote Shows World's True Colors Toward Israel - BRIAN SANDERS CHARISMA NEWS

Outgoing U.S. President Barack Obama and his administration left quite a parting and insulting shot to Israel. (Gary Cameron/Reuters)

United Nations Vote Shows World's True Colors Toward Israel

1/4/2017 BRIAN SANDERS  CHARISMA NEWS

Imagine yourself 13 months away from celebrating the centennial anniversary of your inception (see 1917 Belfour Declaration). Looking back at the arduous obstacles that have already been overcome, it's disheartening that Israel is now faced with the grim reality of what may potentially be stripped from it. 

Last Friday's United Nations Security Council vote against Israel's settlements sent a clear message to Jews around the world: Life as you know it is about to change.

The unanimous 14-0 vote that included the cold, abstinent response from President Obama sent a resonant chill down the Jewish people's spine on the Eve of Hanukkah and on their Holy Sabbath.

The silent betrayal spoke louder than words. It was a shot clearly hit below the belt to our greatest ally in the Middle East; an inciting, wounding action left by his predecessor that President-elect Donald Trump will have to try to miraculously mend. 

Like many Christians, not only did my heart break for my Jewish brothers and sisters in Israel, but I felt perplexingly embarrassed and apologetic. 

But what is truly mind-boggling about this united decision is the true colors of how the International Council really feels towards Israel. The anti-Semitic response is more than palpable ... it's actually quite deafening.

Such is the case for greater actions towards Aleppo, Syria. As the world watches the inconceivable atrocities happening before their eyes—the United Nations, the Earth's brother's keeper—remains silent. Instead, they'd rather focus their attention, with unabashed anti-Semitism towards Israel.

Case in point, outgoing U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon publicly expressed the U.N.'s obsession against Israel that, "We must never accept bias against Israel within U.N. bodies."

Israel's ambassador to the U.N., Danny Danon, cited 223 passed resolutions condemning the Jewish State compared to only eight against the dictatorship regime of Syria for their inhumane killings of its people.

Where's the justice, you ask? Why the blatant unfair treatment towards Israel and the Jewish people? 

You'd almost have to travel back in time to the days of Pharaoh to understand how the Jewish people have literally experienced "mishpat" (justice) for faults-not of their own. Then marvel and praise the G-d of their ancestors for giving them this inconceivable resilience and unconditional divine protection.

What the United Nations and Israel's enemies fail to realize is-that the G-d of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob will have the final say. Justice "mishpat" awaits those that condemn the Apple of His Eye.

"For thus says the Lord of Hosts: He has sent Me after glory to the nations which plunder you, for he who touches you touches the apple of His eye. For I will swing My hand against them, and they will become plunder for their servants. Then you will know well that the Lord of Hosts has sent Me" (Zech 2:8-9).

"Behold, He who guards Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep" (Ps. 121:4).

For generations, the Jewish people have leaned on their Redeemer.

"For the Lord has redeemed Jacob [Israel] and ransomed him from the hand of him who was stronger than he" (Jer. 31:11).

They know all too well that their salvation is nigh. 

"The Lord has proclaimed to the ends of the earth: Say to the daughter of Zion, 'See, your salvation comes; see, His reward is with Him, and His recompense before Him." They shall call them The Holy People, the Redeemed of the Lord; and you shall be called Sought Out, a City Not Forsaken'" (Is. 62:11-12).

Regardless of where the world stands for Israel, the church, the body of Yeshua (Jesus) needs to stand with them now more than ever. 

For the Why Stand With Israel documentary official teaser trailer, click here. 

Brian Sanders is the CEO and Executive Producer for the Why Stand With Israel documentary. For more info on the upcoming documentary and ways you can partner, go to whystandwithisrael.com. Also check out the Why Stand With Israel Facebook page for weekly updates and news on the film's release date. For media bookings, email Brian at brian@whystandwithisrael.com. Brian is also the president and executive producer of HOPE Media LLC and is an award winning International Broadcast-Video Producer/Cinematographer after God's Heart. He is passionate about telling God's stories through testimonies, shows and documentaries as well as promoting organizations' personal stories of HOPE.

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Cindy Jacobs: Prophetically, America Is at a Tipping Point - CHARISMA NEWS

We prayed and listened to the Lord. The only thing He said to us was that He was preparing a patriot for the nation, and, if we prayed, that person would win the elections. It was frustrating! (Facebook/Cindy Jacobs)

Cindy Jacobs: Prophetically, America Is at a Tipping Point

 9/20/2016 CHARISMA NEWS

"Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people" (Prov. 14:34). 

When the Apostolic Council of Prophetic Elders met in November 2015, I asked them, "Do you have a word about the elections?" In my opinion, this strategic gathering that includes some of the most respected prophets in the United States is a highlight for my year. 

We prayed and listened to the Lord. The only thing He said to us was that He was preparing a patriot for the nation, and, if we prayed, that person would win the elections. It was frustrating!

However, God had admonished us to pray for just such a person, and pray we did. 

This was puzzling, as we have received very accurate and broad-sweeping prophecies in the past. For instance, we were shown that the E.U. would fragment. We were told the U.S. dollar would remain a haven for investors and, in the midst of worldwide shaking, it remained so.  Then, we were shown that economy of Europe would shake and while this would affect the U.S., we would not have 2008 meltdown. This is not to say that the nation will never see that in the future. Frankly, it depends on our prayers. 

In personally seeking God as to the "why" He wasn't more specific with us, I realized He had already spoken! We need to see which candidate most lined up with biblical values. The Word of God tells us that righteousness exalts a nation and sin is a reproach. I realize that to use the biblical word, "sin," is not politically correct. This is because even the church has become a bastion of cultural relativism. The more preferred words are, messed up" or "shouldn't have done it." Some even go so far as to say the word "sin" is offensive to sinners! 

I believe that such things as abortion, the murder of the unborn in the womb, are offensive to God. Other things like lying and stealing are forbidden as part of God's rules! Therefore, we need to vote accordingly. I also realize that the president is not a "pastor-in-chief," but a commander-in-chief. Still, we need to look at what policies the candidate will advocate and the outcome of those policies. 

What does this have to do with the election and why can't I just refuse to vote because I they are not the candidates I would have chosen? If I may digress for a moment, God placed us on earth to be its stewards. We are to disciple nations. To do so includes the need to see that it becomes a nation that God deems righteous. To abstain from the political process and not participate in the process is to advocate this role to others. This comes down to this statement for me-voting is a spiritual exercise.

In order to see that righteousness exalts our nation, we have to vote. Prophetically, I believe we are at a tipping point. We have already lost a large measure of the greatness that God gave the United States to be salt and light in the Earth. I know, because Mike and I travel around the world and listen to people say this very thing in nation after nation. My heart grows heavy when I hear this discussed and I am frankly embarrassed before God. Of course, I know God loves every nation and every one has a unique, important role. However, I love my nation too! God purposed me to be an American. 

It may be that God is not speaking to me about a particular candidate and is using others instead. That could very well be. There is one thing that I do know! It is time to pray and act!

Faith without works is dead! If we want a righteous nation our faith must be in the voting booth as well as a church building. 

We have to look at the candidates, even though there are flawed, and vote for the ones that will establish righteousness for the unborn, fight against poverty and racism and biblical, foundational truth. God is not for a political party. They are all flawed. However, there are certain candidates who will fight for our religious freedoms and biblical values such as life in the womb.   

Perhaps we do not need another word because He already given it and we only need to read the Lawgiver's Manuel and vote our biblical conscious. 

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In God We Trust: Pray, Fast, Vote - BOB ESCHLIMAN CHARISMA NEWS

(Submitted Image)

In God We Trust: Pray, Fast, Vote

9/14/2016 BOB ESCHLIMAN  CHARISMA NEWS

In the 2012 presidential election, more than 27 million registered Christian voters did not vote; had just half of them voted for Republican presidential nominee former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, the results would have been profoundly different.

A coalition of Christian television broadcasters, led by Cornerstone Network President and CEO Don Black, has launched an "unprecedented partnership" to make sure that doesn't happen in 2016. Their collaboration, In God We Trust is a one-hour special—a 30-minute version will also be made available—to call on Americans to place their trust, and their vote, in God.

Although the program doesn't endorse any particular candidate or party—pushing evangelical voter turnout is the goal—it does offer a simple, powerful and universal message that will cross racial, political and socio-economic lines. The coalition explained its mission:

It is time for God's people to pray, to fast for wisdom and then to vote for the candidates of their choice in the upcoming election this fall. Facing the stark reality that over 27 million registered Christian voters did not vote in the 2012 election, these leaders believe that a responsible turn-out of Christian voters this November will pave the way of hope for our nation and a return to the Christian principles on which it was founded.

In God We Trust viewers will be provided the opportunity to sign an online In God We Trust proclamation, pledging to pray, to fast, to vote and to place their trust in divine providence. A downloadable e-version of the devotional In God We Trust 21-Day Action Plan will be available to guide participants through 21 days of prayer and fasting for the nation.

"Most American Christians will agree that we have drifted far from our Judeo-Christian values and face perilous times as a result," Black said. "We simply believe that, election or not, it is time to take our country back to our roots and to faith in Jehovah God. The upcoming election provides us an opportunity to begin that process."

Other ministry broadcasting partners include:

• Pat Robertson, founder of the Christian Broadcasting Network;
• Robert Jeffress, senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Dallas and Pathway to VictoryTV and radio program;
• Andrew Wommack, founder and president of Andrew Wommack Ministries and host of The Gospel Truth TV program;
• Joyce Meyer, founder and president of Joyce Meyer Ministries and host of Enjoying Everyday Life;
• Perry Stone, founder and CEO of Perry Stone Ministries-Voice of Evangelism/OCI and host of the Manna-Fest TV show;
• Henry Fernandez, founder of Henry Fernandez Ministries and senior pastor of The Faith Center; and
• Gordon Robertson, CEO of the Christian Broadcasting Network.

The special, hosted by Kristi Watts a former co-host of The 700 Club, began airing on Labor Day and will continue up to the Nov. 8 election in various lengths on Cornerstone and other participating networks. With America hurting and in need of a miracle, In God We Trust aims to inspire millions of Christian Americans to exercise their authority in electing our next leaders and to petition Almighty God for His Divine mercy to sweep this great nation with a fresh move of His Spirit.

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Franklin Graham Tells Christians to Make a Decision at the Polls - CBN News

Franklin Graham Tells Christians to Make a Decision at the Polls

CBN News 08-26-2016

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Franklin Graham urged Christians in New York to vote on election day during a stop on his 50- state "Decision America" tour in Albany.

Graham Spoke with more than 4,000 people at West Capital Park, encouraging members of all parties to vote for candidates that embody Christian beliefs, while not personally endorsing any himself.

Evangelicals were a  missing voting bloc in the last elections, and Graham believes they could make a difference in November. 

"I encourage people to vote. In the 2012 election they estimate that 20 to 30 million evangelical Christians stayed home, and I want to encourage Christians to go to the polls," Graham said in a statement. 

40 to 50 million Christians, many of them evangelicals, failed to vote in the last elections, according to a study done by The Barna Group. There are 82 million practicing Christians in the country, meaning almost half didn't practice their right to vote.

He also said Christians should consider increasing their level of civic participation by running for all levels of political office. 

Graham closed by leading the thousands of attendees in prayer for the their elected officials and future president. 

*CBN neither supports nor opposes any candidate for public office.

The Elections - Now Think On This by Steve Martin

The Elections

Now Think On This

Steve Martin

“Do you want to be on good terms with the government? Be a responsible citizen and you'll get on just fine, the government working to your advantage.” (Romans 13:3-4, The Message)

Every four years in American politics the voting age population has a choice to make in the selection of the one who will sit in the presidential office seat. Voting for our elected officials is one of the many freedoms that our founding fathers fought so hard to obtain, and many, many since then have fought to maintain. The freedom to choose is not found in all nations. But in this country, since 1776, it has been one of the great freedoms we have as a people.

Sad to say that too many choose not to exercise this democratic freedom. Since I turned the voting age of 18 in the early 70’s, I have not missed a presidential election, going to the voting booth every time. I am proud, if I can say that humbly, to have done that.

The opportunity taken to vote or not to vote was never a decision I considered not doing. As a citizen of this nation, while I still abide here, I will always feel it is included as one of my basic responsibilities. No doubt I will continue to vote at every opportunity I have. If I am going to pray for our government leaders (not as much as I should), I believe it is also my responsibility, every time I am given the choice, to also vote for the ones who adhere to the principles I stand for. I find it hard to think that other believers often choose to not participate.

How can those who say they are walking in the Lord’s ways not also take the time to know the candidates and then vote for those they want to see lead our local, state, and national offices? Even if our choice we voted for does not win, at least we can say we participated in the process.

Believing that the Lord sets in place those in authority who govern, He also wants us to take part in bringing that about. We are not just to sit it out and say that whatever will be will be, or to glibly say that our actions do not matter in the outcome, so why bother? Does the Lord not tell us to be a light on a hill? Is not the government realm another area where that light is so sorely needed in our time, where we can participate in taking His principles into all areas of life? Even to this one area.

If and when you are given the opportunity, take it, and do one more thing in extending the Lord’s kingdom on this earth. As an American, do the right thing, and vote for those who will act on our behalf. As a big election block voting in unison, we carry a lot of influence, and can do a lot of good. Many have gotten elected because of us. Others have lost because we have not done our part.

If we don’t exercise this freedom, we cannot rant and rave when the darkness even more so penetrates the halls of our government buildings.

We can participate in what the Lord desires to yet do in this nation. This is one opportunity He freely gives you and me to do, as we go to vote, with His wisdom and guidance leading us.

Now think on this,

Steve Martin

Founder

Love For His People, Inc.

P.S. I would be most grateful if you'd share this encouraging word with your family and friends. They might need it. You can easily use the social media icons below. Thanks! Steve

We are blessed when the ministry receives gifts to support the families that we do, primarily in Israel, India, Pakistan and the hurting ones here in the USA. You also can share out of the abundance you have been given.

Love For His People, Inc. is a charitable, not-for-profit USA humanitarian organization started in 2010 to share the love of the Father in the nations.

If these messages minister to you, please consider sending a charitable gift of $5-$25 today, and maybe each month, to help us bless families we know in Israel, whom we consistently help through our humanitarian ministry. Your tax deductible contributions receive a receipt for each donation. Fed. ID #27-1633858.

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Todah rabah! (Hebrew – Thank you very much.)

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Now Think On This - In the New Year of our Lord 07.22.16 - #262 –“The Elections” – Friday at 7:40 pm

All previous editions of Now Think On This can be found on this Blog, and on the website: Now Think On This

Again, I would be most grateful if you'd share this encouraging word with your family and friends. You can easily use the social media icons below. Thanks! Steve

Dr. James Dobson Makes His Presidential Endorsement - BOB ESCHLIMAN CHARISMA NEWS

Dr. James Dobson, founder and president of Family Talk, has announced his endorsement for President of the United States. Among the most influential advisers on matters of family in the U.S., his support for a candidate is seen as a big boost for any candidate. (Video Screenshot Image)

Love For His People Editor's Note: Please see my comments following this article.

Dr. James Dobson Makes His Presidential Endorsement

12/17/2015 BOB ESCHLIMAN  charisma news

When Dr. James Dobson speaks, most evangelical Christians listen. As the founder and president of Family Talk, which produces a radio program heard on 1300 outlets around the world and on the Internet, he commands a very large audience.

In other words, his endorsement carries a lot of weight, particularly in presidential politics.

Dobson put his weight behind U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), endorsing the presidential candidate's campaign. Among the nation's most trusted advisers on marriage, child development, and the family he was quick to point out the senator's record on religious liberty, life, and marriage was "second to none" in the current GOP field.

"I have met with the senator on multiple occasions: he is brilliant, articulate, and informed," Dobson said. "Shirley and I have been praying for a leader such as this, and we are confident that Ted Cruz has the moral and spiritual foundations to lead our nation with excellence. Speaking as private individuals, we urge conservatives and people of faith to join us in supporting his race for the presidency."

Dobson has advised three presidents on matters pertaining to marriage and the family and is the author of more than 30 books dedicated to preserving and equipping families. His wife Shirley is chairwoman of The National Day of Prayer Task Force, which sponsors tens of thousands of prayer gatherings, gathering millions of Americans together in prayer for the nation.

"Dr. Dobson has mentored and encouraged three generations of American families," Cruz said. "Dr. Dobson's wisdom and common sense have inspired health and healing in millions of lives. He has rallied people around the world with a vision for happy marriages and beautiful home life. I am deeply grateful for Dr. Dobson's gift to the world—he has been a voice of hope and a guide to many of us, and I am thrilled to have his support."

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Love For His People Editor's Note: I highly respect Dr. James Dobson and his leadership. His books on raising children were read and adhered to by my wife and I as we raised our four kids during the 1980's and 1990's. His earlier radio program, Focus on the Family, has had tremendous impact on our nation.

We certainly appreciate and respect Dr. Dobson's choice. The Republicans have several good choices, and we are listening! 

As citizens of the USA, who also believe in the Lord Jesus, each of us needs to stand up and speak out. Don't believe lies that some who are involved in our media and elected government officials would say as otherwise; whether locally, statewide or nationally. We have as much right to write, speak, and influence as the next citizen. Noone cannot and will not prevent us from doing just that. The US Constitution does not prevent any US Christian citizens from fully participating in the political election process.

Some have taken the "separation of church and state" concept and absolutely misconstrued it in our time to mean the very opposite of what our Founding Fathers intended. We CERTAINLY have the right to declare in our churches and other gathering areas our stance on all matters of life and living in the USA. Don't be deceived by those who would threaten otherwise.

Our nation's freedom of speech laws were set in place in the founding years of the United States of America. From the very beginning, these and other laws allow us to voice our opinion, just as others have that right also.

So be informed. Speak up and speak out.

Be seeking the Lord for His election choices. Be involved in the political process, and vote when that time comes.

I most certainly will be too.

Steve Martin,

Founder/Writer/Editor
Love For His People blog

42% of Senators Block Pro-Life Law Supported by Two-Thirds of Americans

CHARISMA CAUCUS  charisma news  sEPT. 23, 2015

Polls show most Americans support the bill, which Senate Democrats thwarted on Tuesday. (Reuters)

A majority of the U.S. Senate on Tuesday voted to advance the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, a bill that would have restricted abortion to the first 20 weeks of pregnancy - but it still did not pass the Senate.

On a near party-line vote, a minority blocked consideration of the bill.

In all, 54 senators (51 Republicans and three Democrats) voted to take the bill up for debate, but 60 votes were required to defeat a Democratic filibuster. The motion was opposed by 42 senators (two Republicans and 40 Democrats), with four senators absent (one Republican and three Democrats). 

The bill would extend federal protections to unborn children who have reached 20 weeks fetal age (22 weeks of pregnancy), with the exception of children conceived by rape or incest or if abortion would save the mother's life.

The legislation passed the U.S. House of Representatives for the second time on May 13, by a 242-184 vote.

The bill, which was originally introduced in the House by Congressman Trent Franks two years ago, was developed from model legislation offered by National Right to Life in 2010. Similar laws have been enacted in 12 states. 

The Senate companion bill, S. 1553, is sponsored by Senator Lindsey Graham, R-SC, and co-sponsored by 45 other Republican senators, including fellow presidential contenders Ted Cruz, R-TX; Rand Paul, R-KY; and Marco Rubio, R-FL.

It was opposed by presidential candidate Bernard Sanders, a Vermont independent who describes himself as a socialist and is seeking the Democratic presidential nomination. In some polls, he leads Hillary Clinton.

Polls show a majority - up to two-thirds of Americans - support the bill, with young people and women more likely to back the bill than other Americans.

The National Right to Life Committee urged senators to support the bill, writing a letter to members before the vote.

National Right to Life President Carol Tobias said on Tuesday that "Today's majority vote is not a defeat, but a stepping stone towards victory."

Tobias, who wrote a paper challenging "media myths" about the bill, said, "One-fourth of premature infants now survive when born at this stage – and there is strong evidence that they experience great pain, as they are torn limb from limb in late abortions."

Some of the extensive evidence that unborn children have the capacity to experience pain, at least by 20 weeks fetal age, is available on the National Right to Life websitehere and here. 

Here's How Your Senator Voted:

YEAs ---54
Alexander (R-TN) Ayotte (R-NH) Barrasso (R-WY) Blunt (R-MO) Boozman (R-AR) Burr (R-NC) Capito (R-WV) Casey (D-PA) Cassidy (R-LA) Coats (R-IN) Cochran (R-MS) Corker (R-TN) Cornyn (R-TX) Cotton (R-AR) Crapo (R-ID) Cruz (R-TX) Daines (R-MT) Donnelly (D-IN)	Enzi (R-WY) Ernst (R-IA) Fischer (R-NE) Flake (R-AZ) Gardner (R-CO) Graham (R-SC) Grassley (R-IA) Hatch (R-UT) Heller (R-NV) Hoeven (R-ND) Inhofe (R-OK) Isakson (R-GA) Johnson (R-WI) Lankford (R-OK) Lee (R-UT) Manchin (D-WV) McCain (R-AZ) McConnell (R-KY)	Moran (R-KS) Paul (R-KY) Perdue (R-GA) Portman (R-OH) Risch (R-ID) Roberts (R-KS) Rounds (R-SD) Rubio (R-FL) Sasse (R-NE) Scott (R-SC) Sessions (R-AL) Shelby (R-AL) Sullivan (R-AK) Thune (R-SD) Tillis (R-NC) Toomey (R-PA) Vitter (R-LA) Wicker (R-MS)

NAYs ---42
Baldwin (D-WI) Bennet (D-CO) Blumenthal (D-CT) Booker (D-NJ) Brown (D-OH) Cantwell (D-WA) Cardin (D-MD) Carper (D-DE) Collins (R-ME) Coons (D-DE) Durbin (D-IL) Feinstein (D-CA) Franken (D-MN) Gillibrand (D-NY)	Heinrich (D-NM) Heitkamp (D-ND) Hirono (D-HI) Kaine (D-VA) King (I-ME) Kirk (R-IL) Klobuchar (D-MN) Leahy (D-VT) Markey (D-MA) McCaskill (D-MO) Menendez (D-NJ) Merkley (D-OR) Mikulski (D-MD) Murphy (D-CT)	Nelson (D-FL) Peters (D-MI) Reed (D-RI) Reid (D-NV) Sanders (I-VT) Schatz (D-HI) Schumer (D-NY) Shaheen (D-NH) Stabenow (D-MI) Tester (D-MT) Udall (D-NM) Warren (D-MA) Whitehouse (D-RI) Wyden (D-OR)

Not Voting - 4
Boxer (D-CA) Murkowski (R-AK)	Murray (D-WA) Warner (D-VA)

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How the Current Wave of Anti-Christian Sentiment Could Backfire

 6/9/2015 JEREMY BURNS  charisma news

Voting booths (Facebook)

With everyone from pop culture icons to the mainstream media to Internet memes to the president himself seemingly bashing Christianity, is there no hope for a resurgence in the cultural battle?

According to one analyst, the widespread anti-Christian campaign may be ultimately be its own undoing. In a recent TIME magazine article, Dave Carney offers a compelling argument that the religious bullying and persecution could be the factor that unites and mobilizes Christians to once again become a force to be reckoned with in the public arena.

Despite findings that the percentage of those who identify as Christians has dropped sharply over the past decade or so, Carney points out that evangelicals have only seen a 0.9 percent decline. Further, while Christian denominations in the cited study lost 7.8 percent of the religious "market share" between 2007 and 2014, the fact remains that roughly 7 in 10 Americans still identify as Christian.

Though arguments could be made against the strength of conviction or faithfulness to Christianity for some of those self-reported respondents, the fact remains that—despite years of cultural leaders hammering against Christian beliefs, traditional values and religious freedom—the vast majority of Americans still chooses to identify as such.

Politically speaking, there is tremendous untapped potential for Christians to exert influence and power over the nation's direction. Unfortunately, much of the reason that potential remains untapped is Christians' own fault.

"Even before this troubling trend was reported, too many Christian voters had dropped out of the political process already," Carney writes. "In the past decade, about 78 million U.S. adults self-identified as evangelical in their beliefs, but reportedly only about 46 million were registered to vote, and only about 28 million cast a ballot in the 2004 presidential race."

With barely one-third of all evangelicals exercising their right to vote for this nation's leadership, it's no wonder that Christians' voices have continued to be silenced over the past decade—we've often chosen not to speak up when it matters most.

Identifying several recent escalations in "Christian-bashing" across the country, Carney believes that we are close to reaching the breaking point where Christians will eventually say enough is enough.

"These attacks on Christianity have the potential to create a populist movement across America, uniting Christians who have become disillusioned with government institutions and political leaders, and who are fed up with the attacks on the Christian values that built our nation," he writes. "The candidates who speak to evangelicals and their values, and who actively seek their support will find a massive latent block of voters waiting to be excited."

With the mounting attacks on faith and traditional values building seemingly daily, Carney thinks the looming 2016 presidential election may see a massive demographic shift in who turns out to the polls, one with massive consequences in the way Christians in America operate, and how the nation itself will treat people of faith.

"Those looking to forecast the end of the evangelical voting block should take a careful look at one of the lessons from Barack Obama's 2008 election—who comes out to vote matters," Carney writes. "Just a small increase in the turnout of the evangelical vote could change the political landscape dramatically.

"It is just these type of studies and reports on the demise of the religion that will drive even more public debate about the need for Christian values. The logical result will be a clearing of the pews on Election Day."

Christians Urged to Vote in Israel's Upcoming Elections

Wednesday, February 18, 2015 |  Israel Today Staff

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Topics:

Christians

Christian leaders in the Holy Land are urging their constituents to get involved in Israel’s upcoming national elections. And the call is being answered, with some going so far as to become candidates for Knesset themselves.

The Assembly of the Catholic Ordinaries of the Holy Land under Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Fouad Twal issued a statement this week encouraging local Christians to help improve the situation and make a positive impact on the Middle East conflict by exercising their right to vote in Israel.

Noting that they are “deeply concerned about justice, peace, and equality in this country,” the Catholic leadership said that “in order to progress towards these aims, we call upon the voters to go out and vote in the upcoming elections.”

The desire to make a difference at the ballot box is probably even greater among Orthodox streams of Christianity, which make up the bulk of a new movement seeking greater integration with Israeli Jewish society.

One of the leaders of this movement, Shadi Khalloul, has even become a candidate for Knesset with the Yisrael Beiteinu Party.

Explaining his decision, Khalloul told The Jerusalem Post, “Christians see themselves as part of this state. They want to live here, and they want the people speaking in their name to improve their situation here. As Christians, we don’t have any other state.”

Khalloul admonished local Christians to resist traditional tendencies to vote for Arab political parties, which do little but provoke conflict with their Jewish countrymen.

“Christians don’t want their representatives to incite against the state all the time, to undermine the state, to curse the state that protects them,” he explained.

“The only party which has free Christian representation that can deal with the tough problems and the needs of Christians in different fields is Yisrael Beiteinu, because Shadi Khalloul is there and he has worked all his life for strengthening the cooperation with the State of Israel and the Jews. This is what I will do, God willing, and with the help of Jesus the Messiah,” he concluded with a bit of electioneering.

Israel Today has reported on the activities of and interviewed Shadi Khalloul numerous times in the past, in particular regarding his leading role in last year’s successful campaign to have Israel officially recognize local Christians as Arameans, rather than Arabs.

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