Posted on 10/07/2004 7:52:49 AM PDT by dukeman
The “religious left” has always troubled me. They seem to be focused on things that are unscriptural and unspiritual. Their world view is hardly that of the conservative, Bible-believing Christian. In the early days of my ministry I would now and then minister in these churches—at least those bold enough to invite a pro-Bible prophecy, pro-Israel speaker. I give that remnant credit! However, there were never more than two or three in attendance at my classes even though the church membership was in the thousands. Conclusion: I was not tracking with these people who wanted to hear about poverty, the environment, a Palestinian state, and human rights! And it finally dawned on me that I was but spinning my wheels. They didn’t have the eyes to see or ears to hear the truth. Members of these denominations are not bad people. They are misled by ministers of the Gospel who sadly misinterpret Scripture.
Now “The Institute on Religion and Democracy” which monitors activity in Mainline Protestant denominations, reports that human rights criticisms among these denominations are out of balance. They find that between 2000 and 2003, 31% of these criticisms were directed at the U.S. and 37% were directed at Israel. No mention of the colossal abuse of humanity in parts of Africa, including Sudan, and the vast abuses in the Islamic world. But two of the world’s shining examples of democracy, both rooted in Judeo-Christian principles, were singled out as big bad bullies by the Presbyterian Church USA, the Episcopal Church, the United Methodist Church, and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Earlier this year the Presbyterian Church USA voted to divest all economic interest in Israel and the Episcopal Church may follow next. So, let’s economically strangle America’s biggest ally in the Middle East and so weaken her that she could be of little productive use in America’s war on terror.
On October 3, 2004, over 50,000 evangelical churches observed the “International Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem Day.” Earlier this fall the World and National Council of Churches had a “Day of Prayer for Peace”. They quoted PA spokeswoman Hanan Ashrawi on a PA Web site speaking about Middle East peace, a subject matter about which she hasn’t got a clue. There was no mention that on that same PA Web site was footage of two PA TV programs showing official religious leaders openly calling for the genocide of Jews.
Visit the Web sites of the World and National Council of Churches which the above-mentioned denominations are members of, but if you’re a Bible-believing Christian you may be prompted to laugh or cry. Weeping is more appropriate. You will search in vain for references to Jesus, Christ, God the Father, the Holy Spirit, or salvation. What you will find is article after article protesting Israel’s security fence that has reduced suicide attacks by over 80%. Articles and positions discuss environmental issues, the Iraq war, health care, the needs of ex-offenders, the Geneva Convention, refugees, migrant labor, women’s rights, and a plea to understand Native American culture. The NCC has a page describing their boycott of a pickle factory! How about boycotting an abortion factory? Ecumenism is the real god of the leaders of the NCC and WCC and again, the people are left spiritually starving.
These outfits are angered that President Bush would make a suggestion that his actions are often guided by his faith. I often wonder what those criticizing this would prefer the president be guided by?
These are the very denominations that believe in “Replacement Theology”—that the Church is the new Israel. Modern-day Israel has no more relevance than the Canary Islands. When you embrace this false teaching, you also end up with “replacement reality.” In other words, reality gets totally skewed. This is all a part of that “end-time” falling away the Bible predicts and the rampant apostasy of the latter days. Is it any wonder that attendance in these churches is plunging and as a result, and their income as well? I’m sure it’s tough for God to bless denominations that are skewed in their world view and theology like this. Following the pattern of Genesis 12:3, there should be some literal “cursing” going on.
Pray for these denominations, however. God’s grace is gracious enough to open the eyes of some who may be questioning some of this. The human condition in me would rather write them off as hopelessly blind but the Bible tells us not to give up and to keep pursuing righteousness, believing that some who seem so very lost can still turn from their unbiblical ways and see truth. Anger should not be directed at the sheep being led astray who would likely receive the truth if their leaders would ever teach and preach it.
Jan Markell is founder and director of Olive Tree Ministries. For more information or to learn of similar false theologies, visit her Web site, www.olivetreeviews.org.
God never breaks His promises and He made a big one to Abraham long ago.
(1) The Jews are reprobate and the Church is a new Israel, completely effacing the "old" Israel.
(2) The Church is grafted to the ancient Jewish root of Israel and is a continuation and expansion of Israel.
(3) Israel is still limited to the Jews and the Church is merely a coworker of Israel in the divine plan.
The first is properly called "replacement theology."The second view is the only one which is fully supported by Scripture and immemorial Christian teaching.
The third view is a recent innovation.
Isaiah 11:11-16 KJV
Many are called but few are chosen.
thank you for posting this....
All Israel will be saved. Romans 11:26
Thanks. 'Replacement' theology is anti Christian.
I simply cannot see how you people can go on prattling about Israel when God utterly destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple in 70 AD and dispersed the Jews with no promise of return.
Jesus predicted the destruction of Jerusalem. Paul declared the Jewish system obsolete and predicted its demise.
There is only one way to please God, that is through Christ. It is the same for Jew and Gentile. Every spiritual blessing is through Christ, outside of Christ there is no spiritual blessing except the opportunity to believe.
Brilliant!
There is no 4th view........more?
/sarcasm
No promise of return? There are dozens of OT prophecies and promises about the regathering and restoration of Israel. Also, read Romans 11.
One shouldn't mistake righteous criticism of the policies of a madman like Prime Minister Sharon for anything more nefarious.
But I also don't pretend to fully understand how this "grafting back in" of the church with Israel will happen. It is very good that someone who knows what He is doing is in charge!
Which obviously refer to the church or the original return around 500 BC.
Also, read Romans 11.
Refers to the salvation of the Jews, not their return to nation status.
You're welcome, joesnuffy. There are important points in this article and it is of paramount importance that Israel and the Jewish people know that Bible-believing Christians are with them.
Well Jan Markell... thats why Jesus came to make religion obsolete, all of them... AND DID
even your religion.. Jesus saviour of the world from religion..
Jesus what a guy...
Oh, none of this is to say that Israel (or its leaders) can do no wrong. Just like us, they're comprised of sinful humans. This is why we all need God's grace and mercy. The Bible, from start to finish, is full of instances where God disciplines His beloved when they err.
Which ones refer to the church?
Daniel 2:44 44 And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.
Daniel 7:13-14 13 I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. 14 And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.
Hebrews 12:28 Wherefore we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:
Isaiah 2:1-5 The word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. 2 And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD’S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. 3 And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. 4 And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. 5 O house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk in the light of the LORD.
Luke 24:45-47 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, 46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: 47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
Joel 2:28 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:
Acts 2:16-17 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; 17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
Ezekiel 34:20-26 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD unto them; Behold, I, even I, will judge between the fat cattle and between the lean cattle. … 22 Therefore will I save my flock, and they shall no more be a prey; and I will judge between cattle and cattle. 23 And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd. … 25 And I will make with them a covenant of peace, and will cause the evil beasts to cease out of the land: and they shall dwell safely in the wilderness, and sleep in the woods. 26 And I will make them and the places round about my hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing.
John 10:16 And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd.
Ephesians 2:11-18 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; 12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: 13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. 14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; 15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; 16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: 17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. 18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
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