Standing in support of Israel, Jews, and believers in all the nations, in the name of Jesus (Yeshua). Sharing biblical truth, encouragement, news and prophecy.
Franklin Graham repeated his calls for America to turn to God in a Facebook post he made Friday. (Video Screenshot Image)
Friday afternoon, evangelist Franklin Graham's public rebuking of politicians continued when he called out Mitt Romney and the Republican Party establishment for the attacks on GOP front-runner Donald Trump.
"I'm 63 years old, and I've never seen anything like this," he said on Facebook. "This Republican presidential campaign has not only sunk to new lows, but the Republican establishment seems to be desperate to pick their own candidate."
Graham acknowledged there are "some good candidates running," but stuck with his decision not to endorse any one in particular. Instead, he said he would continue to call for "radical change" in the only way he knows it can come.
"I'm fed up with both the Republican and the Democratic parties. Both are corrupt—clearly broken—and need to be overhauled. They need radical change," he wrote. "Ultimately, the only way this nation can be turned around is for us to acknowledge God and call on His Name. God tells us in His Word, 'If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land' (2 Chronicles 7:14)."
In just 30 minutes, the post received more than 32,000 "likes."
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I hear it all the time, and as quickly as I hear it, I reject it.
It is a paralyzing, destructive mentality, and it is unbiblical—plain and simple.
I’m talking about the mindset that says, “Jesus told us everything will get worse, so why bother trying to bring about change?”
Can you imagine what church history would like if Paul and Peter felt that way in the first century or if Wesley and Wilberforce felt that way in the 18th and 19th centuries?
Why fight against infanticide in the early church? Jesus said things will only get worse.
Why fight against slavery in Great Britain and America? Jesus said things will only get worse.
Why fight against apartheid in South Africa? Jesus said things will only get worse.
Why even oppose the Nazis? Jesus said things will only get worse.
Do you see how paralyzing this mentality can be?
In response to my video message challenging the Charlotte City Council to vote against an extreme, LGBT activist bill—it was dubbed “the bathroom bill”—someone posted this on my YouTube channel:
“I admire your spirit Dr Brown … but you know this is fighting the Hand of God. Can you possibly win? Can you possibly even HOPE to win? He said that these days will come. So how is it that you, a man who serves that same God, fights against Him? He says it WILL happen, and you try to STOP it. Is that not fighting against God? No. Instead, praise Him because His Word IS Truth, and preach ENDURANCE and LONG SUFFERING and HOPE. Those are better messages. Trying to stop the Word of God, however, … is futile.”
With all respect to the person who posted the comment, this is absolute rubbish.
Fighting the Hand of God? Fighting against God? Trying to stop the Word of God? Nonsense!
Oh yes, I fully affirm the need to “preach ENDURANCE and LONG SUFFERING and HOPE,” and those themes go hand and hand with our actions in Charlotte.
But the idea that we are fighting against the inevitable collapse of society in our day—even fighting against God—is an idea to be resisted and rejected.
If you don’t mind my asking, please tell me where Jesus said that from the year 2016 until His return, things will only get worse. Would you be kind enough to provide the chapter and verse?
You might reply, “In Matthew 24, Jesus predicted mass deception and mass apostasy,” but it appears you still miss the point.
Aside from asking which portions of Matthew 24 referred more directly to the events leading up to 70 A.D.—in other words, to events that took place almost 2,000 years ago—the obvious question is: How do you know that His words apply to today rather than to 100 years from today? Who gave you the insight that we were in the closing years of the era and that all we could expect was gloom and doom?
If Jonathan Edwards had believed this in the 1700s, he never would have called the churches together to pray for awakening.
The same could be said for every revival in history: If the believers in each generation thought that the apostasy and darkness and moral corruption they were witnessing indicated that Jesus was coming any minute and that positive change was impossible, they never would have sought God for revival and the world would be in massively worse shape today.
I came to faith in 1971 when Hal Lindsey’s Late Great Planet Earth was all the rage, and we knew that any day now, Jesus was coming back. The signs of the times were all there!
I was 16 at that time. Next month, I turn 61. And Jesus still has not returned.
What makes you so sure that you have figured it all out and that we should simply capitulate and cave in? What makes you so sure that it’s time to throw in the towel and let the devil and the world take over? Is this even a remotely biblical mentality?
You might say, “But things have never been as bad as they are today.”
I suggest you study history more carefully before coming to that conclusion, but even if you’re right, that’s what other generations have said about their days as well, and the Lord moved mightily with great outpouring and harvest.
Who’s to say He hasn’t saved the best for last?
The fact is that a truly biblical mentality is a victorious, faith-filled, overcoming mentality, a mentality of hope and triumph and expectation.
Jesus is risen, and Jesus is Lord!
That’s all I need to know.
And Jesus told us that: 1) All authority is heaven and Earth is His; 2) in His name and authority, we are to go and make disciples of the nations; and 3) He is with us always, even to the end of the age (Matt. 28:18-20).
Where, then, is there room for discouragement? Where, then, is there room for a “throw in the towel” mentality?
And if we are successful in making disciples, won’t that mean that positive change will come?
The biblical mentality is expressed by John, who told us that “the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining” (1 John 2:8).
Or in the words of Paul, “The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us take off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light” (Rom. 13:12).
That is how we must live, and that is the attitude we must have as we stand for what is right, regardless of how dire things look and regardless of cost or consequence.
And that means that, until our dying day—or until Jesus returns, whichever comes first—the salt must stay salty and the light must stay bright (Matt. 5:13-16).
And I will multiply upon you man and beast and they shall increase and be fruitful; and I will cause you to be inhabited after your former estate and will do better unto you than at your beginnings; and ye shall know that I am the LORD.
The prophet Ezekiel offers the nation a message of hope. Despite the harsh punishment of exile, the people will return to the Land, and with that return the land will flourish and prosper exceeding its former glory. We are living in these miraculous times! As this prophecy continues to unfold, the State of Israel exceeds our hopes and dreams as a flourishing country, breathtaking in beauty and central to the world in medicine and industry. You can be part of a unique project to document this fantastic miracle with the world’s first-ever photojournalistic book showing Israel’s development from desolation to cornucopia. Side by side photographs will make the prophecy come alive as you see the dramatic changes and rebirth of the land in under 100 years.
Researchers culled through thousands of photos from the late 1800's to 1940's, a period of time when the Land was desolate and under foreign rule. They went back back to those same locations, and photographed the resurgence of life in Israel as the Jewish nation. What they discovered was mind-boggling.
Devout Christian Doug Hershey, founder of Ezra Adventures, a program which arranges epic trips to Israel, is on an even more compelling mission. Hershey is documenting, through magnificent photography, the prophet Ezekiel’s 2,600-year-old prophecies as they come to fruition today in Israel.
The Star of David is a timeless symbol of the Jewish People. Mentioned in the bible as being the symbol of david, it now adorns the Israeli flag. The Israeli jewelry designer Ester Shahaf adds her personal artistic statement to the Star, in endless variations. This lovely Star of David necklace is crafted of .925 Sterling silver with Swarovski crystals, copper appliqués and delicate hand painting.
It’s great to hear from you and make new friends from all over the world. Please send mean email and let me know how you are enjoying Jerusalem365 (don’t forget to say where you are from!).
Rick asks Lt. General (Ret) W.G. (Jerry) Boykin important questions regarding the times in which we live including "What is socialism?", and "What are some crucial issues for choosing our next president?"
ATLANTA -- Some of the most violent Muslims are trying to bring their messiah into the world, popular Pastor Michael Youssef details in a new book.
But in the pages of The End Times & the Secret of the Mahdi, Youssef suggests the shocking surprise is that this figure will turn out to be the evil Antichrist described in the Bible.
Over the centuries, people have guessed incorrectly again and again that the Antichrist -- that ultra-violent world dictator -- was soon to appear.
Unprecedented Time in History
But Youssef, head of the global outreach ministry Leading the Way and founder of Atlanta's Church of the Apostles, believes only now are conditions set for the coming of that evil one.
His book details how what's going on in the world right now is leading straight toward those events prophesied in the Book of Revelation and elsewhere in the Bible.
"I came to the conclusion that we are coming into the period of time like we have never seen before in history," Youssef told CBN News in an exclusive interview.
Hailing from Cairo himself, Youssef said he deeply loves the Islamic people, but believes Islam is hurtling the world toward the dark days of the Antichrist, as the promotional video for his new book shows.
In it Youssef says of the Antichrist, "He will lull the world into believing in him, even worshipping him as their messiah. But he will end up abusing humanity like it's never been tormented before."
Watch the promotional video below.
The Mahdi Is the Antichrist
This biblical scholar's been researching Islam's beliefs in their end times' messiah alongside the Bible's revelations about the Antichrist. What he writes about is described exactly by his new book's subtitle: "Unlocking the Mystery of Revelation and the Antichrist."
His conclusion is stated in that same promotional video for the book: "Christians know him as the Antichrist. Sunni Muslims know him as the Muslim Christ. Shiite Muslims know him as the Mahdi."
Youssef quotes Muslim scholars in his book on what Islam preaches about their messiah.
"When their messiah comes, he's going to cover the whole world," Youssef said. "He's going to rule the world. And he's going to declare himself to be a Muslim. And he's going to turn on the Christians and the Jews."
"And we know, of course, the Bible said the Antichrist is going to come and he's going to turn on the Christians and the Jews," he noted.
Youssef laid out for CBN News other parallels he sees between the Mahdi and the Antichrist.
"He will call himself 'the man of peace.' That he's going to come at a time of chaos and confusion and people longing for somebody to guide them and lead them and bring them peace because they will be worn out," Youssef shared.
Both the Bible and Islam talk about this figure's seven-year global reign from Jerusalem and say this figure of peace will turn hyper-violent.
"He's going to begin to persecute people. He's going to demand their worship," Youssef said. "Same thing on the other side -- that he's going to kill everybody who does not worship him."
Ushering in the Mahdi
Youssef says some Shiites have actually been trying to bring about the prophesied time of the Mahdi, to make it happen themselves.
"He will appear when the world is in chaos and he will bring peace," Youssef explained. "So [Mahmoud] Ahmadinejad, the former president of Iran, basically wanted to stir up trouble and get the nuclear weapons so they could attack Israel and create an atmosphere of chaos, so to force their Mahdi -- or the 12th caliphate -- to show up."
And some of the most violent Sunnis are also trying to set off the end times.
"Particularly those who the Middle East people call Daish or ISIS or IS," the pastor stated. "They also have that concept that when chaos and bloodshed reign supreme -- and that's why they're shedding so much blood -- that their messiah will come."
So if Pastor Youssef's belief is correct that this Muslim messiah will be the Antichrist, it's the first time in history believers of a major religion have been actively working to bring him into the world and welcome him.
No Fear for Those in Christ
But Youssef insists Christians should not fear.
"The Lord said, 'When you see these signs, lift up your head, for the day of your redemption is drawing nigh.' And so, far from being afraid and worried and concerned, we should be rejoicing," Youssef said.
Many believe the Bible warns that the world will be deceived by Antichrist's global false religion, which at first will tolerate and bring all religions together.
In his book, Youssef writes about the already popular 'coexist' bumper sticker with the Islamic crescent forming its "C," the Jewish Star of David for "X," the witchcraft or pagan pentacle dotting the "I," the Taoist yin and yang symbol for "S" and the cross of Christ as the "T."
Churches Welcoming 'Chrislam'
Youssef also told CBN News about another way major religions are merging.
"There is something that is rampant among mainline denominations called Chrislam," Youssef stated.
"And there are churches in Canada and the United States where they read from the Koran as well as the Bible. There are churches that have the Koran in the pews," he said.
But, he added, there's a way to be immune from false religion.
"If a person is a genuine believer in Jesus Christ, he will not be deceived," Youssef insisted. "The Holy Spirit is going to give us discernment that we will be able to tell the difference."
Christ Is the Only Way
And though they may be cursed as intolerant, Youssef preaches it's time for Christians to insist Christ is the only way, not just one more option.
"We don't hate anyone. We love everyone," he said. "But there's only one name under heaven by which men and women can be saved. And His name is Jesus."
What Youssef emphasizes when he broadcasts around the world from Leading the Way or preaches anywhere he goes is that Christians need not fear all those scary events in the Book of Revelation.
But, he said, they do have to go through that horrifying time of the Antichrist before they can get to the victorious return of Jesus Christ.
And they came, both men and women, as many as were willing-hearted, and brought nose-rings, and earrings, and signet rings, and girdles, all jewels of gold; even every man that brought an offering of gold unto the LORD.
Often, it is the success of a project that history records. When great kings of antiquity built monuments to celebrate victories or to worship a pagan god, we know nothing of the ordinary people who participated in the construction. In fact, it is likely that these temples and monuments were built by slaves who were forced to labor with great suffering to build a magnificent structure at the whim of their master. Not so the Tabernacle. It is a simple structure constructed of items easily found in ordinary households – fabrics and skins and jewelry. And Scripture stresses that it is built through donations, simple items brought by ordinary people, as their hearts and spirits moved them, to take part in the building of a structure that would serve as their center of worship, their vehicle to reach God. Learn more in The Israel Bible, containing the original Hebrew text and a classic English translation, alongside commentary to better illustrate the significance of the Land of Israel.
An Israeli contest set out to encourage people worldwide who love Israel to create brief videos featuring positive messages about the country. Here are just a few of the inspiring clips!
The Tabernacle and its vessels are rife with symbolism and lessons. The woven fabrics of the Tabernacle were so unique, that when similar fabrics are described in the Book of Esther as adorning King Ahasuerus’s palace, the Sages learned that the Temple treasures which were looted during the fall of the Judean Kingdom made their way to the Persian treasury.
Song artist Lazer Lloyd is known for combination of blues, folk, rock, and jazz. He eventually developed a unique style that incorporated all of these influences into his emotive blues all of which stem from his religious outlook on life. Inspired by his mentor Shlomo Carlebach, he moved to Israel where he expanded his musical career. This album mixes the Jewish soul and electric blues which stamps it as uniquely Lazer Lloyd.
Shalom, Greetings from Australia. I support God's people. May God bless you and keep you in His perfect peace. I pray Psalm 91 over Israel. I love learning all about God's blessed Nation and its people. Thank you for this connection. Theresa
Shalom Rabbi, I'm Alexandra Coetzee Govender from South Africa. I also just happen to fervently love Israel and her people. Just to let you know I thoroughly enjoy reading whatever you've put on the net. Incidently, I'm a Christian Friends of Israel, South Africa. Wishing you well, Shalom
