Did 9/11 Change the World?

Another anniversary of 9/11 has rolled around, and it is hard to believe how much time has passed since the event that literally "changed the world". Anyone who has used an airport recently, or even had to deal with some agency that requires ID, can verify that. Some, even today, have flashbacks every time they look into a beautiful blue fall sky and see a lone aircraft slowly passing overhead. Yes, it was another day that will live on in infamy, and it did indeed change our world – but not totally.

Just after those horrific moments, America kicked into high gear on the so-called War on Terror. Most know what efforts were made, how much was spent, and how many precious lives were lost. And most know that the great effort to stem the tide of death, destruction and dominance was not completed and has even lost ground recently. That must be absolutely heartbreaking to those who fought in this worthy battle and for those that lost loved ones along the way.

That day back in 2001 changed our world in some ways, and, in other ways, much remains the same as the battle rages on with a new intensity. The brutality and determination of ISIS makes what we faced before look mild in comparison.

In reality, the only thing that will ever solve this entire mess is when hearts are changed by the events of another epic day. That day was long ago when Jesus Christ hung on a Roman cross and at His death there cried out, ”It is finished.” His completed sacrifice meant that the sins of the world were fully paid for and all had access to a new, clean and loving heart through faith in Him.

All men are born as lost sinners. And for that to change, they must also change, but on the inside. They must have a change of heart, something not really possible apart from the indwelling Holy Spirit. The God of the Bible commands that, after being saved, we then win the lost through love, and that applies for even those who attack or oppress us. We never demand conversion and acceptance through violence or force of any kind.

In Roman 12:19-21, we read what is the exact opposite philosophy of those now troubling the world and preying on countless innocent victims, many of whom are Christians.

"'Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,' says the Lord. Therefore, If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

This attitude only makes sense in the context of true Christianity. It surely finds no place in the ideology of the radical terrorists now causing so much fear, carnage and suffering. The contrasts could not be more clear. One is based in love as evidenced by the cross, and the other is founded and focused on hate. One saw a Savior take His own life for others, and one takes others lives for its own means. One changes the world for good and peace, and the other for evil and terror. And one occurred precisely because of what being done through the sinful and selfish acts of the other.

Jesus Christ came to change the world, to change the impact of sin, and to change the consequences of evil. He came to change lost sinners to righteous saints and to change a frightening future to a blessed eternity. He came to change the hearts of all men through His grace. That includes you, me and even those who are ISIS.

“But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 5:20-21)

Bill Breckenridge

Persecution On The Rise

In 2 Timothy 3:1, the Apostle Paul wrote, "But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come." Then in the following few verses he listed some of the many characteristics that would be displayed when this awful time in human history finally arrived. He revealed how many would become blasphemers, unholy, unloving, without self-control, brutal, and despisers of good.

It can be rightly said that life in a fallen world has always been accompanied by sin and evil – at times horrific evil. But this new century is seeing a rise in something exceptionally brutal. It is being seen worldwide through the mind-numbing actions of a specific religious group. They are now commonly referred to as "Militant Islam". And while the vast majority of those who adhere to this huge religion are not a part of this extreme and violent sect, those who are seem to be growing at an alarming rate, and their persecution of others is beyond frightening – especially for Christians of any brand.

This has been seen in two major stories from the last few months. One was the ordeal of Meriam Ibrahim. The wife, mom and physician was arrested in the Sudan and sentenced to receive 100 lashes and then later to be hanged to death. Her offense was simple. Despite being raised a Christian by her mom, her absentee father was a Muslim. This meant that her marriage to a Christian man was not allowed by Muslim law and she was thus committing adultery and blasphemy. Her captors keep her chained in prison with her young son even though she was pregnant. She would eventually give birth in chains before finally being released due to worldwide pressure. Her ordeal is over, and she is free and living in the United States. But the hatred that fueled it all still exists and gives an idea of the mindset of those that perpetrated the terrible act.

Then too, and on a larger scale, Christians in the Middle-East are being hunted, tortured and executed at a ferocious rate. This was brought to the forefront when a group of Christians were chased into a mountainous region in Iraq and persecuted in ways that defy the imagination. Some were beheaded, others crucified and families literally buried alive before the U.S. military intervened to stop the genocide. It is estimated that there are some 2 million refugees from that dangerous country who have done nothing but be and remain Christians. It is being fueled primarily by a terrorist group by the name of ISIS. Experts claim that this bunch is more radical, more powerful, better organized and financed than was al-Qaeda at its best. They make no apologies for their brutally and for their global goals – one of which is to put their flag upon America’s Capitol!

Hatred, violence and persecution is not new. But it is growing at an alarming rate in these "perilous last days". So what is at the core of the issue? Simply put, it is the cross of Jesus Christ and what that represents. In Galatians 5:11, Paul wrote about persecution and about the crucifixion being the foundational reason. “And I, brethren, if I still preach circumcision, why do I still suffer persecution? Then the offense of the cross has ceased.” In that day, it was his fellow Jews joining the attack because the message of the cross irritated them because it required something radical of them – something they detested and rejected. But the foundation for the hatred back then is the exact same as it is today when Islam is involved. The names, faces and times are different, but the crime and its root cause are the equivalent. The message of the cross is exclusive, and therefore it is offensive! (Acts 4:12, 1 John 5:12, John 14:6)

In 2 Timothy 3:11-13, the Apostle Paul again spoke of being mistreated for his faith. But here he shared how any that followed Christ outwardly should expect like-wise. Speaking of the constant attacks leveled against him for his faith he wrote, “And out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse.”

Then we also see Jesus’ own words on the subject in John 15:18-20. "If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you.”

Being persecuted may be painful, brutal and unjust. But it is also normal and can be a sign of a believer living fully and outwardly for his or her Lord. And those who never ever feel any resistance along these lines should take spiritual inventory as to whether or not they ever display their Savior in any public meaningful way.

The days are indeed "perilous" and more for some than for others, of course. Satan seems to be moving full-throttle against God and His redeemed people. He has found his army of choice and provided them with an ancient hatred that causes them to do anything to hinder and destroy the church of Christ in these "last days". Pray for those of the faith that are suffering beyond we can really grasp. And be thankful that you have been spared this unimaginable fate – for now. And ponder the possibility that we may stand before God someday and give an account of what we did on behalf of our blood-bought spiritual family members who stood firm in the face of an agony from which we were graciously spared.

As far as the wicked, who now inflict pain and misery on God’s people, do not repay evil with evil. (Romans 12:21) Instead, pray for their hearts to be changed through the One they now curse and seek to destroy. And, as hard as it might be when evil seems to triumph, remember the chilling words of Hebrews 10:30 & 31. "'Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,' says the Lord. ... It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God."

Bill Breckenridge

Immigration Issues: Now and Forever

Illegal immigration has always been a difficult issue. Now it’s worse. The rising influx of illegal immigrants to the United States has burdened a system that is already overwhelmed financially, in manpower and in the courts.

Thousands of unaccompanied children from Central American countries are illegally crossing America’s southern border adding to an already existing illegal immigration problem. A number of the children have been placed in temporary housing with a parent or relative who will care for them until their cases are heard, but many remain in facilities without even an adequate number of beds.

There is endless debate about whether this is an immigration crisis or a humanitarian one, and the issue does not look like it will be resolved any time soon. Congress and the President have both vowed to take action, but the process is slowed by partisan bickering.

Whatever the outcome, the immigration crisis highlights some spiritual parallels.

Every one of us is on earth temporarily. This world is not our final home, and we are all travelers seeking an eternal residence with the hope of something better beyond this life. For those who have accepted Christ as Savior, that home is Heaven, which is reached when a believer dies or when Christ returns to take His church to be with Himself. For those who don’t know Christ, the border is closed and there is no entrance.

The proper documents allow immigrants to enter a country legally and afford them the opportunity to make a new life there. Illegal aliens live with the constant fear of deportation and rarely have the opportunity to make a better life. Likewise, having the proper “paperwork” is the only way to obtain eternal life. Only those whose names are found in the Lamb’s Book of Life gain entrance to Heaven and enjoy its benefits forever.

John described the scene that will take place when the official spiritual documents are examined. “And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life … there shall be no means enter [heaven] anything that defiles…but only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.” (Revelation 20:12; 21:27)

Many immigrants become U.S. citizens after coming to America. Citizenship offers advantages including the right to vote, financial aid, federal benefits, and permanent residency. In Christ, believers are citizens of the heavenly kingdom even before we arrive there. The Apostle Paul wrote of believers, “Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.” (Ephesians 2:19) Because of this citizenship, believers enjoy benefits in addition to eternal life that are not available to non-citizens including God’s presence (Hebrews 13:5), God’s care (Luke 12:22-31), answered prayer (John 16:23), and, most importantly, permanent citizen status (John 10:28, 29).

For most illegal immigrants, nothing short of amnesty will allow them to stay in the U.S. legally. In His death on the cross, Jesus Christ provided the “amnesty” that allows our permanent residence in Heaven. Forgiveness of the sin that separates us from God is available to any who accept it (Romans 10:13).

While the President, Congress and political pundits debate the pros and cons of immigration legislation, deportation and amnesty, there is no debate on residency status in Heaven. Scripture is quite clear. “And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire (hell, eternal punishment)” (Rev. 20:15).

A person who is truly born again can never be “deported” from God’s kingdom. Christ said, “…the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out” (John 6:37). Accept Christ now so that your eternal home is secure.

Gayle Virkler

If you are not sure if Heaven will be your eternal home, click here for more information.

Will There Be Peace in Israel?

The conflict between Israel and Hamas has ancient roots. Will there ever be peace? Following is an excerpt from “Israel: What You Need to Know” by David M. Virkler:

The heart of the conflict basically boils down to two opposing ideas. For the Israelis, the issue is their right to exist as a nation. For the Palestinians, it is the desire to see Israel cease to exist as a nation.

The trouble goes back much farther than the current conflict or previous uprisings and even farther than 1948. The present situation is fulfillment of an astounding prophecy tucked away in Genesis 16. Abraham’s wife, Sarah, panicked and thought God’s promise of a child needed her human help. She gave Hagar, her Egyptian maid, to Abraham as a wife, and Ishmael was born. Hagar’s pride over her child-bearing resulted in friction between the two women, and Hagar and Ishmael were sent away into the wilderness. There, God sustained them and gave a promise of relative greatness for Ishmael and his progeny. There would be a problem, however. “He will be a wild man; his hand will be against every man, and every man’s hand against him and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren.” (Genesis 16:12)

The descendents of Isaac and Ishmael—today’s Jews and Arabs—would live together, but they would not get along. This conflict may be mitigated from time to time, but it will not be eliminated until the millennial reign of Christ when Israel, Egypt and Assyria will join in worship of God (Isaiah 19:24).

Eventually, there will be peace in Israel, but it will be false peace. Antichrist will convince the Jews to accept his leadership. He will confirm a previously-made covenant likely among Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Syria and, yes, the Palestinians (Daniel 9:24-27). Antichrist will break this pact after three and a half years, and then, literally, all hell will break loose (Revelation 6:8).

Following the seven-year Great Tribulation, Christ will return to earth. His feet will touch the Mount of Olives just across the Kidron Valley from the Temple Mount (Zechariah 14:2-4). He will rule in Jerusalem after the world’s armies are destroyed there, and Satan will be bound for a thousand years (Rev. 20:1-3). Only then will there be a true peace in Israel.

God told Abraham, “I will bless those who you, And I will curse those who curse you.” (Gen. 12:3) Israel has a unique place in the plan of God, and many evangelical organizations in the United States have this concept as a basic plank in their denominational outlook. We in America have likely been blessed because of our country’s position as Israel’s ally. Pray for wisdom for our government’s leaders that they not abandon that view and our blessing be lost.

The events in the Middle East clearly indicate that the stage is being set for the rapture of the Church (I Thessalonians 4:16 & 17) and subsequent seven-year Tribulation. We must be ready to meet the Lord at any moment, and we must be diligently about the business of winning lost souls for Christ.

Psalm 122 enjoins us to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Verses 6-8 say, “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem; May they prosper who love you. Peace be within your walls, prosperity within your palaces. For the sake of my brethren and companions, I will now say, ‘Peace be within you.’ Because of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your good.”

Real peace in Israel will come only through her Messiah—our Savior, Jesus Christ. Rejecting the Messiah meant a missed peace for the people of Israel. Until our prayer for the peace of Jerusalem is fully answered in the Millennial rule of Christ, personal peace is available to any individual by receiving Him as Savior. Trusting Christ gives us the “peace of God, which surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:7). When people respond to Christ inwardly, they can promote peace outwardly. “For He Himself is our peace, who…has broken down the middle wall of separation…that He might reconcile…both to God in one body through the cross….” (Eph. 2:14, 16)

If you have never trusted Jesus Christ as your Savior, do so today! In a world where peace is often temporary, elusive or even impossible, you can have lasting personal peace with God and the peace of God.

Click here to read the entire article “Israel: What You Need to Know” as well as a companion article by Dave on “The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict”. You will also find articles on other Middle East countries. Click here for information on ordering the print versions of these articles.

A True Global Event?

It is the single largest sporting event on planet earth. And although other great sports championships may include the term "world" in their title, only the World Cup of soccer really fits the idea of a global sports competition.

The governing body for the great event is known as FIFA. It stands for the Federation International Football Association. The championship has been awarded every four years since 1930 with the exception of 1942 and 1946 when it was interrupted by World War II. Spain won the last tournament in 2010, which was held in South Africa.

The 19 World Cup tournaments have been won by eight different national teams. Brazil has won five times. Also, they are the only team to have played in every tournament and have been the host nation for the 2014 games. But their dream of victory at home this year was crushed by an embarrassing defeat at the hands of Germany by a staggering 7-1 score. In the current format, 32 teams compete for the coveted title with only one earning the right to be called the world’s best.

The World Cup is the most widely viewed and followed sporting event in the world, exceeding even the mighty Olympic Games. To reveal the scope of the tournament, it has been estimated that the 2010 final match was viewed, at some point and for some duration, by over 3 billion people world-wide. That was an estimated 45% of the earth’s entire population - a staggering figure by any standard.

When considering the masses that follow this great global spectacle, and especially the numbers at its conclusion, another amazing future occurrence may come to the minds of some who are familiar with prophetic truth as it appears near the conclusion of the biblical record.

Revelation chapter one refers to those who have been redeemed by Christ. It reveals both how they were saved and what they have become in and through Him. “To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (Rev. 1:5b, 6)

But the passage then turns its attention to a great future event that will dwarf all the World Cups ever played put together in both scope and importance. Verse 7 reads, "Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen." This will truly be a global event without equal!

What an amazing moment that will be – a sudden slice in time when the entire world sees and recognizes who Christ really was and is. For some, it will be a shocking and horrifying realization. But for the believers who make up His precious family, it will be an incredible glorious experience. It will be a spectacular moment when they approach the final time leading up to an unbroken span of eternity complete with rewards and blessings that cannot begin to be imagined.

"Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him." (1 Corinthians 2:9)

Bill Breckenridge