Lessons from the Parable of the Prideful Pharisee

By Dr. Randy White
Jesus told a parable about a prideful Pharisee that reminds us of the glory of grace! Grace is so amazing that we need regular reminders of its depth, breadth, and height.

“And He also told this parable to some people who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and viewed others with contempt: “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. “The Pharisee stood and was praying this to himself: ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. ‘I fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all that I get.’ “But the tax collector, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, the sinner!’ “I tell you, this man went to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.”” (Luke 18:9–14, NASB95)

BE CAUTIOUS
I am a believer in “grace-alone” salvation. I know that almost everyone says this, but not everyone really teaches this. Grace-alone means that you and I do not have a shred of goodness to offer God, but that He has, in grace, paid the penalty for sin and made an offer to mankind to be saved in Jesus Christ. Even so, we have an amazing ability and desire to add something to the simple grace-alone salvation revealed in Scripture. These additions put us in the same place as the Pharisees, who “trusted in themselves that they were righteous.” The Pharisee in the parable of Luke 18:9-14 was disgusted with the tax-collector because the tax man had not lived up to the works of pharisaical religion. It is the sin of pride, which is at the root of our continual desire to add to the Gospel.

One of the old hymns states,
“nothing of my own I bring, simply to thy cross I cling.”
It is inspiring to sing, but it is oddly offensive to the human spirit. Who among us wants to admit that we have nothing to bring? Deep inside, we are convinced that we have at least a little goodness that caused us to become the person we are today. Because of this sinful tendency, we need to be careful, lest we add for others restrictions on salvation that are man-made.

BE CAREFUL
If you listen carefully, you will find that many of our invitations to Christ involve or imply works. We say things like:
• Commit your life to Jesus
• Jesus needs to be the Lord of every area of your life
• Give everything you have to Jesus

These statements are appropriate in discipleship, but in evangelism they imply a “work-hard-to-be-saved” theology which is opposed to grace-alone. When the Gospel is presented, it should be presented for what it is: GOOD NEWS! It is, in fact, the greatest news! God has satisfied the requirements for the salvation of mankind, and now the offer is freely given to any who would believe. In other words, we do not need to present the demands of the Gospel, but the free offer of the Gospel. There are demands of discipleship, but we often try to develop disciples before a person has been saved! Jesus simply told Nicodemus, “You must be Born Again!” The Gospel only has one demand: believe! Jesus paid it all, and He is all a person needs to be saved. After a person experiences new birth, their lives will begin to change, and even more as we disciple them.

BE CONSCIOUS
What does it take for a person to go to heaven? In a word: Jesus! That is why, after all, we are called CHRISTians. Christ is the fundamental difference. Be conscious about this grace-alone reality, and it will cause a never-ending spring of rejoicing to well up within you.

Dark is the stain that we cannot hide.
What can avail to wash it away?
Look! There is flowing a crimson tide,
Brighter than snow you may be today.

WHY I AM NOT A DISPENSATIONALIST; John Nelson Darby is recognized as the father of dispensationalism later made popular in the United States by Cyrus Scofield's Scofield Reference Bible. Charles Henry Mackintosh, 1820–1896, with his popular style spread Darby's teachings to humbler elements in society and may be regarded as the journalist of the Brethren Movement. CHM popularised Darby more than any other Brethren author. As there was no Christian teaching of a “rapture” before Darby began preaching about it in the 1830s, he is sometimes credited with originating the "secret rapture" theory wherein Christ will suddenly remove His bride, the Church, from this world before the judgments of the tribulation. Dispensationalist beliefs about the fate of the Jews and the re-establishment of the Kingdom of Israel put dispensationalists at the forefront of Christian Zionism, because "God is able to graft them in again," and they believe that in His grace he will do so according to their understanding of Old Testament prophecy. They believe that, while the methodologies of God may change, His purposes to bless Israel will never be forgotten, just as He has shown unmerited favour to the Church, He will do so to a remnant of Israel to fulfill all the promises made to the genetic seed of Abraham. I am not a dispensationalist; it is unbiblical.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is preparing a major offensive in the coming days against the opposition targeting his regime

JERUSALEM—Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is preparing a major offensive in the coming days against the opposition targeting his regime, an informed Syrian government source confirmed.

The source said yesterday Assad was warned by Russia that if the coming counterinsurgency targeting the opposition is not successful in the next 4-6 weeks,

Syria should be prepared for a war.
The resource did not say whether the possibility of war referred to a Russian expectation of international intervention in Syria.

RUSSIA SUPPLYING HELICOPTERS TO SYRIA
The information comes after Secretary of State Hillary Clinton yesterday accused Russia of sending helicopter gunships to Syria for use in crackdowns on rebel positions across Syria.

“We have confronted the Russians about stopping their continued arms shipments to Syria,” said Clinton. “They have, from time to time, said that we shouldn’t worry—everything they are shipping is unrelated to their [the Syrian government’s] actions internally. That’s patently untrue.”
Continued Clinton:

“And we are concerned about the latest information we have that there are attack helicopters on the way from Russia to Syria, which will escalate the conflict quite dramatically.”

Also yesterday US State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland echoed concerns by UN envoy Kofi Annan that a so-called massacre is being organized against the Syrian opposition.

“The United States joins joint special envoy Kofi Annan in expressing deep alarm at reports from inside Syria that the regime may be organizing another massacre,” Ms Nuland said. “People will be held accountable.”

THE HOULA MASSACRE
A previous attack against civilians in the Syrian neighborhood of Houla saw 108 people, including 49 children, reportedly executed at close range on May 25. The international community quickly blamed Assad’s forces for the massacre.

This past weekend, Germany’s leading daily, the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, quoted sources claiming the Houla massacre was actually committed by anti-Assad Sunni militants.

Immediately following the massacre, KleinOnline reported Syria presented the United Nations and the U.S. with information that claimed it was a group affiliated with al-Qaida, armed by Turkey, that slaughtered the civilians in their homes in Houla, according to informed Middle Eastern security officials.

The international community has widely condemned Syria, pinning the blame for the Houla massacre on forces acting under the direction of Assad’s regime.

Assad’s regime several times has claimed al-Qaida was behind a series of attacks blamed on Syrian forces.

Last month, Syria said it arrested 26 al-Qaida “foreign terrorists,” including one Jordanian.

Two weeks ago Assad used a rare national address to blame “terrorists” and foreign elements for the Houla massacre.

The massacre further galvanized world opinion against Assad and has led to stepped-up calls by the opposition for the use of military force to oust the Syrian regime.

The U.S., Italy and Spain announced last week they are expelling Syrian ambassadors after similar moves by France, Germany, Britain, Australia and Canada.

In retaliation, Syria said it is expelling diplomats from Turkey and 10 Western countries, including the U.S. and the U.K.

Much of the Western news media blamed Assad’s troops for the Houla massacre.
But underscoring the gap of information on the ground, many news media reports at first claimed the civilian deaths in Houla were caused by mortars and shelling by Assad’s forces.

Two days later, much of the news media changed its tune, parroting a U.N. report that says most of the 108 victims of the Houla massacre were shot at close range, some of them women, children and entire families gunned down in their homes.

Survivors and witnesses cited by the U.N. blamed the house-to-house killings on pro-government thugs known as shabiha.

Largely unreported is Syria’s claim that an armed terrorism element is behind the massacre.

Middle East security officials told KleinOnline Syria has sent information to the U.S., U.N. and other international bodies indicating the house-to-house slaughter was carried out by a group affiliated with al-Qaida that came from North Africa.

According to Syria, the jihad organization entered Syria via Turkey, where the militants were first armed. Syria did not blame Turkey directly for the massacre, the security officials said. The Syrian report stated Turkey likely believes the al-

Qaida elements were going to fight Assad’s regime.
For months now, Turkey has been hosting the Syrian opposition and agitating for international military intervention against Damascus.

COLLABORATION BETWEEN SYRIAN OPPOSITION AND AL-QAIDA
Two weeks ago one Egyptian security official told KleinOnline there is a growing collaboration between the Syrian opposition and al-Qaida as well as evidence the opposition is sending weapons to jihadists in Iraq.

An Egyptian military attaché detailed the alleged collaboration between al-Qaida and the U.S.-aided opposition in Syria that operates under the banner of the National Free Army.

The purported cooperation extends to recent suicide attacks and bombings in Damascus and in the embattled Syrian city of Homs.

The military official told KleinOnline that Egypt has reports of collaboration between the Syrian opposition and three al-Qaida arms:

Jund al-Sham, which is made up of al-Qaida militants who are Syrian, Palestinian and Lebanese;

Jund al-Islam, which in recent years merged with Ansar al-Islam, an extremist group of Sunni Iraqis operating under the al-Qaida banner;

Jund Ansar al-Allah, an al-Qaida group based in Gaza linked to Palestinian camps in Lebanon and Syria.

The Arab League, which has condemned Syria, previously privately recognized an armed terrorist element agitating against Assad’s regime.

A leaked Arab League dispatch, posted in February by the Anonymous group, said Arab League monitors on the ground in Syria several times witnessed an “armed entity” provoking Syrian forces and placing civilian lives in danger.

That section of the classified report read:
“The Mission determined that there is an armed entity that is not mentioned in the protocol. … In some zones, this armed entity reacted by attacking Syrian security forces and citizens, causing the Government to respond with further violence. In the end, innocent citizens pay the price for those actions with life and limb.”

WHY I AM NOT A DISPENSATIONALIST; John Nelson Darby is recognized as the father of dispensationalism later made popular in the United States by Cyrus Scofield's Scofield Reference Bible. Charles Henry Mackintosh, 1820–1896, with his popular style spread Darby's teachings to humbler elements in society and may be regarded as the journalist of the Brethren Movement. CHM popularised Darby more than any other Brethren author. As there was no Christian teaching of a “rapture” before Darby began preaching about it in the 1830s, he is sometimes credited with originating the "secret rapture" theory wherein Christ will suddenly remove His bride, the Church, from this world before the judgments of the tribulation. Dispensationalist beliefs about the fate of the Jews and the re-establishment of the Kingdom of Israel put dispensationalists at the forefront of Christian Zionism, because "God is able to graft them in again," and they believe that in His grace he will do so according to their understanding of Old Testament prophecy. They believe that, while the methodologies of God may change, His purposes to bless Israel will never be forgotten, just as He has shown unmerited favour to the Church, He will do so to a remnant of Israel to fulfill all the promises made to the genetic seed of Abraham. I am not a dispensationalist; it is unbiblical.

What are the chances of an Islamic Beast from out of the Middle East -- more than likely none?

It may well be that the Antichrist is about to be revealed sometime this year as the super president of the EU? Then, what we may be looking at in a book such as the Mideast Beast is a diversion of types to take the minds of the saints of the real picture and the correct identity of the Antichrist? On the positive, there are those who have been saying for a number of years that the Antichrist would be an Assyrian, and given what is going on in Syria there just maybe a possibility Bashar Al-Assad is the Antichrist? The facts of the matter are that if there were ever to be a peace treaty signed then he would be one of those who would confirm it just as the prophecy of Daniel Chapter 9 Verse 27 said would be the instance when referring to the Antichrist. However, in this instance it is best to look at the attached article by Jim Fletcher endorsing a book by Joel Richardson entitled "The Mideast Beast" with an open mind, given that there are still quite a few more of the prophecies that have yet to see the light of day.

THE ANTICHRIST ARISES, WITH SCIMITAR IN HAND
By Jim Fletcher

If a poll were taken, I would guess that the one biblical figure people would consider the most mysterious would be the one Paul called “the man of lawlessness”: the Antichrist.

For years, relentless speculation about his identity has bordered on the absurd. You know the usual suspects, European Union presidents, Bill Clinton, Henry Kissinger, the pope.

Who is the Antichrist?An End Times Bible Prophecy Debate on who is the Antichrist.

Yet, separating fact from fiction seems difficult, given the unfortunate predictions of Antichrist’s identity.

Into this mix steps a new voice, Joel Richardson. Having written about this subject in 2006, and presenting a compelling case for this beastly figure being Muslim, Richardson has a new offering:

“Mideast Beast: The Scriptural Case for an Islamic Antichrist.”

His theory has been met with strong resistance by two divergent groups: Muslims (of course), and teachers of Bible prophecy, many of whom are emotionally invested in an Antichrist of European heritage.

Who knows, perhaps he is both!

Frankly, what I would call old school books on the Antichrist is not breaking new ground; Richardson’s work, however, is fresh and sobering. What he does in “Mideast Beast,” too, is make the case that Islam is the greatest threat to Christianity in our time. It is a defining moment and a defining war in world history.

Well, let us get to it.

Whereas Richardson’s previous book, “Islamic Antichrist,” compared the eschatological positions of Christi.anity and Islam, “Mideast Beast” looks in-depth at the man himself.

One of the writing gifts Richardson has is the ability to clearly state relevance, such as his discussion of a highly relevant topic right now. “As much of the church today, including large segments of the missions movement, increasingly embraces an approach toward reaching Muslims that flirts with syncretism and outright heresy (I am referring to what has become known as the “Insider Movement”), it is imperative that followers of Jesus determine exactly where they stand concerning the origins and nature of Islam.”

In fact, with Emergent's and even mainstream evangelicals blurring the lines between the real Islam and its public persona, “Mideast Beast” takes on even greater impact for the reader.

Among the explosive topics Richardson takes on in “Mideast Beast”:

Is Islam a faith system that can create a genuine relationship with God, or is it purely a soul-destroying ideology?

Can one be both a Muslim and a follower of Jesus, as many evangelical missiologists claim?

Are the Allah of the Qur’an and the God of the Bible one and the same?

The author also shows that he has a firm grasp on the core of Bible prophecy teaching: “Understanding the general nature of biblical prophecy is not nearly as difficult as many Western interpreters have sometimes made it. While nearly every prophecy has historical application in either the immediate or near future of the prophets, the ultimate burden of all biblical prophecy is the coming of the Messiah, the Day of the Lord (God’s judgment on the earth), and the messianic kingdom to follow.”

You see, understanding the identity of the real Messiah insulates us from falling prey to the false one. Richardson does a great job of explaining who Jesus is, and what sets Him apart.

Likewise, he pulls back the curtain on this Antichrist’s background – and Scripture is actually stingy with the details.

Certainly, Richardson has opened an assortment of problems by alleging that the Antichrist will be Muslim, but he does make some compelling observations with regard to traditional understandings. For example, he points out that the “European” Antichrist largely depends upon an interpretation of Daniel 9:26. He does allege that this theory is “built on a foundation of vapor,” but overall, I find his research and writings to be fair and balanced.

In a discussion of John 16:2,3, Richardson makes the fascinating point that those who have speculated that Antichrist would be an atheist might be missing the boat.

What is one of the hallmarks of modern Islam? True believers in that religion believe that by killing “infidels,” they are doing God’s work. Certainly, if Richardson’s theory hinged only on one verse, we might be skeptical, but it is certainly interesting that Richardson can tie in the agenda of modern Islam with Scripture that matches the agenda of God’s end-times enemies.

He also deals with the difficult “god of fortresses” passage in Daniel 11:38, and may I say, you will find it as fascinating as the rest of the book.

Finally, for now, aside from Richardson’s gripping scholarship, the reader will be treated to some more innovative thought, such as the identity of Gog, from the famous passages in Ezekiel 38-39. Suffice to say, those who are blessed to read “Mideast Beast” will be armed with the knowledge necessary to warn others, so many of whom have their heads in the proverbial sand.

Terrific job by Mr. Richardson; “Mideast Beast” is a big winner.

WHY I AM NOT A DISPENSATIONALIST; John Nelson Darby is recognized as the father of dispensationalism later made popular in the United States by Cyrus Scofield's Scofield Reference Bible. Charles Henry Mackintosh, 1820–1896, with his popular style spread Darby's teachings to humbler elements in society and may be regarded as the journalist of the Brethren Movement. CHM popularised Darby more than any other Brethren author. As there was no Christian teaching of a “rapture” before Darby began preaching about it in the 1830s, he is sometimes credited with originating the "secret rapture" theory wherein Christ will suddenly remove His bride, the Church, from this world before the judgments of the tribulation. Dispensationalist beliefs about the fate of the Jews and the re-establishment of the Kingdom of Israel put dispensationalists at the forefront of Christian Zionism, because "God is able to graft them in again," and they believe that in His grace he will do so according to their understanding of Old Testament prophecy. They believe that, while the methodologies of God may change, His purposes to bless Israel will never be forgotten, just as He has shown unmerited favour to the Church, He will do so to a remnant of Israel to fulfill all the promises made to the genetic seed of Abraham. I am not a dispensationalist; it is unbiblical.

The situation in Syria has now become incredibly serious

Word came this weekend that “rebels” in Syria were fighting government forces in Damascus. This is obviously quite significant, since dictators caught in their own capitols often don’t fare well (see Hitler, Adolf).

Many have wondered why Obama and NATO haven’t intervened/interfered in Syria, as they did in Libya (and, indirectly, Egypt). We can only speculate, but a clue lies in the geo-political situation in Libya, ruled with an iron fist by Muammar Gaddafi. The cartoonish Libyan was more like a tribal chieftan, and his loyalists would have held out much longer against the Muslim Brotherhood-inspired “rebels” fighting against Tripoli...had not NATO and Obama been so hell-bent on removing Gaddafi.

Hauled-out and shot, Mussolini-style, last October, Gaddafi passed from the scene as a chilling Muslim horde moved across the sands of the Middle East.

THE PASSING OF THE ASSAD REGIME

In Syria, however, Bashar Al-Assad (himself a mass-murderer) is more of a secular autocrat whose loyalists make up only about 10 percent of the population. Assad, an Alawite (a branch of Islam) who, perhaps surprisingly to many, has been relatively easy on Syrian Christians, has been allowed to continue in power—savagely murdering his own citizens in the year-long uprising—because, in my opinion, he was going to fall without Western intervention.

If he killed 10,000 men, women, and children, well, tsk, tsk.

Gaddafi had to be removed much more quickly in order for the Brotherhood to come to power.

In Syria, once the inevitable happens and Assad is strung up by his heels, the conditions will exist for the Muslim Brotherhood to rule that country. We know where that leaves Israel.

The Jerusalem Post reported that:
“Russia will not oppose the departure of Syria's President Bashar Assad if such a move is a result of a dialogue between Syrians themselves and is not enforced through external pressure, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Saturday.”

No matter who lands in power in Syria, Russia intends to be a player for the duration. Interesting, in light of Ezekiel 38,39.

Because Assad was similar to Hosni Mubarak of Egypt, Jordan’s King Abdullah and, to some extent, Saddam Hussein, he was content to be a menace to Israel, but not a lethal threat. The new rulers of Middle East countries will be much more like the Iranian mullahs—religious psychopaths who do have lethal intentions for Israel.

The passing of the Assad regime in Damascus provides the framework for the next rulers to unwittingly bring Isaiah 17 to pass.

WHY I AM NOT A DISPENSATIONALIST; John Nelson Darby is recognized as the father of dispensationalism later made popular in the United States by Cyrus Scofield's Scofield Reference Bible. Charles Henry Mackintosh, 1820–1896, with his popular style spread Darby's teachings to humbler elements in society and may be regarded as the journalist of the Brethren Movement. CHM popularised Darby more than any other Brethren author. As there was no Christian teaching of a “rapture” before Darby began preaching about it in the 1830s, he is sometimes credited with originating the "secret rapture" theory wherein Christ will suddenly remove His bride, the Church, from this world before the judgments of the tribulation. Dispensationalist beliefs about the fate of the Jews and the re-establishment of the Kingdom of Israel put dispensationalists at the forefront of Christian Zionism, because "God is able to graft them in again," and they believe that in His grace he will do so according to their understanding of Old Testament prophecy. They believe that, while the methodologies of God may change, His purposes to bless Israel will never be forgotten, just as He has shown unmerited favour to the Church, He will do so to a remnant of Israel to fulfill all the promises made to the genetic seed of Abraham. I am not a dispensationalist; it is unbiblical.

African Migrants in Israel

Over the past decade, thousands of Africans have entered Israel illegally, mostly via the porous southern border with the Egyptian Sinai Peninsula.

Israeli officials say Arab Bedouins help smuggle the migrants through Egypt to the Israeli border. Israeli workers are currently constructing a security fence along the border, expected to be completed by early next year.

Officials estimate that at least 60,000 migrants have entered the country illegally, with some saying the number is actually twice that figure.

CALLS FOR DEPORTATION‎
Although some of the migrants claim they are fleeing persecution in their home countries, especially in war-torn Sudan, officials say most are young males simply seeking to make money in the Jewish State.

A majority of the African migrants are Muslims who have settled in poor neighborhoods in south Tel Aviv.

Many are employed illegally by Israeli building contractors who pay them below the legal minimum wage.

However many others have found no work at all, with some spending their days using illicit drugs or sleeping in local parks. A growing crime wave involving some of the migrants has added to calls that most be quickly deported from Israel.

WHY I AM NOT A DISPENSATIONALIST; John Nelson Darby is recognized as the father of dispensationalism later made popular in the United States by Cyrus Scofield's Scofield Reference Bible. Charles Henry Mackintosh, 1820–1896, with his popular style spread Darby's teachings to humbler elements in society and may be regarded as the journalist of the Brethren Movement. CHM popularised Darby more than any other Brethren author. As there was no Christian teaching of a “rapture” before Darby began preaching about it in the 1830s, he is sometimes credited with originating the "secret rapture" theory wherein Christ will suddenly remove His bride, the Church, from this world before the judgments of the tribulation. Dispensationalist beliefs about the fate of the Jews and the re-establishment of the Kingdom of Israel put dispensationalists at the forefront of Christian Zionism, because "God is able to graft them in again," and they believe that in His grace he will do so according to their understanding of Old Testament prophecy. They believe that, while the methodologies of God may change, His purposes to bless Israel will never be forgotten, just as He has shown unmerited favour to the Church, He will do so to a remnant of Israel to fulfill all the promises made to the genetic seed of Abraham. I am not a dispensationalist; it is unbiblical.

European Leaders said to be working on Fiscal Union

There was a time when I had thought the Antichrist would receive his kingdom as the Super President of the EU? However, even with the prospect of a Fiscal Union right at our doorsteps and the possibility of a Super President attaining power from out of that union -- even now I am not so sure?

Instead of a Super President, what we really need to be looking for is the rider on the White Horse as he comes forth to offer a temporary type of peace to the world. Just when the truth seems to be right at our doorsteps, we could be even further away than ever before from finding out the correct identity of the Antichrist?

The reason for the despondency is that those who have been saying the Antichrist would be appointed as the president of the United Nations may have been right all along? The Fiscal Union still could produce a Super President? Furthermore, whoever the appointee is, he still could mount the White Horse?

However if I were to engage in that type of thinking at this stage then all that I would be really engaging in would be nothing much more than conjecture. Then the best thing I can say at this stage is to keep prayerfully consistent to watch and wait, without jumping the gun too much.

FRANKFURT--The leaders of European institutions are working on a plan to create a fiscal union in an effort to save the euro, German magazine Der Spiegel reports over the weekend, without citing sources.

Under the plan, which is being worked out by European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, European Central Bank head Mario Draghi, European Council President Herman Van Rompuy and Jean-Claude Juncker, the head of the Eurogroup of euro-zone finance ministers, member countries would no longer be in a position to raise new debt independently, Der Spiegel says.

At their informal summit on May 23, European leaders charged Van Rompuy, Barroso, Draghi and Juncker to pull together proposals for the next summit that would help leaders create a road map for discussion about future European architecture.

The issues on the table fall broadly into two categories. There are ideas such as creating joint European bonds, a European-wide deposit insurance and more broadly a "banking union," which fall into the category of mutual liability for sovereign debt and European banks. These are ideas French President Francois Hollande backs, but have been anathema to German Chancellor Angela Merkel unless power to enforce budget discipline is shifted to Europe.

Germany is pushing for far-reaching European control of national budgets, a fiscal-policy union, which would require member states to cede control of national budgets to some future European fiscal authority, an idea France opposes.

Der Spiegel reports that a member country would only have autonomy regarding funding that is covered by its own revenue income. Countries that need funding beyond that would have to report their needs to the group of euro-zone finance ministers, who would then decide about the financial needs of each country and issue joint euro-zone bonds to finance that debt.

The rules would only be valid for future borrowing, not existing liabilities, the magazine adds.

The ECB declined to comment on the Der Spiegel article.

WHY I AM NOT A DISPENSATIONALIST; John Nelson Darby is recognized as the father of dispensationalism later made popular in the United States by Cyrus Scofield's Scofield Reference Bible. Charles Henry Mackintosh, 1820–1896, with his popular style spread Darby's teachings to humbler elements in society and may be regarded as the journalist of the Brethren Movement. CHM popularised Darby more than any other Brethren author. As there was no Christian teaching of a “rapture” before Darby began preaching about it in the 1830s, he is sometimes credited with originating the "secret rapture" theory wherein Christ will suddenly remove His bride, the Church, from this world before the judgments of the tribulation. Dispensationalist beliefs about the fate of the Jews and the re-establishment of the Kingdom of Israel put dispensationalists at the forefront of Christian Zionism, because "God is able to graft them in again," and they believe that in His grace he will do so according to their understanding of Old Testament prophecy. They believe that, while the methodologies of God may change, His purposes to bless Israel will never be forgotten, just as He has shown unmerited favour to the Church, He will do so to a remnant of Israel to fulfill all the promises made to the genetic seed of Abraham. I am not a dispensationalist; it is unbiblical.

When God Is in Control

By Dr. William L. Krewson
The United States of America clearly leads the world. From technology to debauchery, this one nation stands above the rest. But it will not continue forever. History clearly teaches that empires rise and fall. America’s two-hundred-year history is brief compared to Egypt, whose kingdoms endured for almost three thousand years. What is the reason for such ebb and flow of nations? The answer is simple: Kingdoms rise and fall because God is in control.

The prophet Daniel recorded amazing prophecies of God’s sovereign control of history. He lived during two great kingdoms, the Babylonian and Persian empires. He was a political statesman whose career spanned the demise of the former and the rise of the latter. Daniel was also a prophet. Through him, God revealed to His people Israel a vast vision of the future. In the following two dreams, Daniel recorded the rise and fall of all human empires and the establishment of God’s eternal kingdom.

THE PROPHECY DELIVERED
The King’s Dream—Daniel Chapter 2.
King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon faced a night of turmoil that continued into the next day (Dan. 2:1–30). A frightening dream kept haunting him. His counselors offered to interpret the dream if the king would tell them its details. The king refused. The wise men would have to prove their wisdom by providing both the dream and its interpretation—or die. The advisors realized their doom. But their hopes awakened when word came from a young Jewish man who offered to reveal the contents of the dream as well as its interpretation, but only because his God had revealed it to him. As Daniel approached the king, Nebuchadnezzar listened in utter amazement.

In the dream stood a huge statue (Dan. 2:31–35).
Daniel described it thoroughly. Its head was made of pure gold, shining in all its splendor. It had a chest and arms of silver. The belly and thighs were made of bronze. The statue had iron legs, and the feet were a combination of iron and clay. Suddenly a stone smashed the statue’s feet, causing the entire image to crumble and be blown away. The stone then became a great mountain that filled the entire world.

Then Daniel told the meaning (Dan. 2:36–45).
Daniel declared that Nebuchadnezzar himself, the king of Babylon, was the head of gold. The remaining parts of the statue represented successive kingdoms whose identities in history are now known. The silver chest stood for Medo-Persia, the bronze thighs for Greece, and the iron feet for Rome. The mixed iron and clay represented a kingdom that would be divided—strong yet fragile. The Lord apparently revealed a twofold appearance of the Roman Empire. There is a difference between the Rome of old (the iron legs) and the Rome to come (the iron and clay feet). The strong yet fragile feet represent the second phase of the Roman Empire.

This dream recorded a humanistic vision of mankind.
The governments of the world seemed like a colossal statue of man’s greatness. Yet the progress of that greatness diminished. As the value of the metal decreased, its strength increased, except for the feet. Humanity’s achievements are top-heavy with pride and will eventually collapse. The dream also revealed that the Gentile world would, for a time, rule the people of Israel. Israel could have been the head; it has instead become the tail (Dt. 28:13, 44). Disobedience caused this reversal, but it is temporary. Notice how the dream continues:

“The God of heaven [will] 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” (Dan. 2:44).

The stone that smashed the kingdoms of mankind represents the Kingdom of God. This cataclysmic event will signal the end of man’s rebellious kingdom, and God’s righteous reign on earth through His Messiah will begin. Daniel ended his prophecy to the king with these words:

“God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter; and the dream is certain, and the interpretation of it sure” (Dan. 2:45).

The Prophet’s Dream—Daniel Chapter 7.
Not only did the pagan king have a dream, but the holy prophet Daniel experienced one also (Dan. 7:1–8). He saw four huge beasts coming up from the wind-tossed sea. The first was like a lion with eagle’s wings. The second appeared to be a bear with three ribs in its mouth. The third resembled a leopard with four wings on its back. The fourth beast was incomparable to any other. Daniel could only describe it as “dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly” (Dan. 7:7). He also noted that it had iron teeth and trampled the rest of the beasts. It did have one notable feature—ten horns. Yet, while Daniel was watching, another little horn emerged and uprooted three horns. This “little horn” had two human features: two eyes and a boastful mouth.

Daniel’s dream also included a scene in heaven (Dan. 7:9–14).
On a blazing throne sat the Ancient of days. With thousands of beings attending Him, a judgment scene unfolded. Then the little horn’s boastful words were heard, and the fourth beast was slain and burned with fire. Daniel then saw a person, the “Son of man,” standing before the Ancient of days. This one was to receive authority over God’s 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” (Dan. 7:14). Daniel clearly saw the Messiah, who would be both human and divine.

These images perplexed the prophet (Dan. 7:15–28).
A heavenly messenger provided the interpretation. The four beasts symbolized four kings and their kingdoms. The ten horns of the last beast represented ten kings. The little horn will be another king who will oppose God and oppress His people. He will change established times and laws. Yet his persecution of the saints will last only for a designated period of time. Then God’s heavenly court will convene and condemn the great persecutor. He will be destroyed forever. Finally, “the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him” (Dan. 7:27).

THE PROPHECY FULFILLED
God revealed similar truths to both Nebuchadnezzar and Daniel.
The king’s dream visualized human empires in an imposing statue representing man’s greatness. The prophet’s dream revealed God’s viewpoint of these humanistic attempts at selfish rule—wild beasts. Even the level of animals descends from the stately lion to an ugly, unknown creature. The two dreams share the identical interpretation from two different perspectives. The four metals of the statue and the four beasts from the sea represent the same kingdoms. Babylon ruled from 626 to 539 B.C. Then Medo-Persia dominated the world from 539 to 330 B.C. The Greek empire of Alexander the Great defeated the Persians and ruled from 330 to 146 B.C. Then Rome gained world power and ruled until the western branch of the empire fell in 476 A.D., and the eastern branch fell in 1453. In an amazing way, God unveiled the future to Daniel’s generation, and we have the privilege of looking back on prophecy fulfilled in history.

THE PROPHECY TO BE FULFILLED
A final stage of the Roman Empire will appear near the end of Gentile domination of world history. The stereoscopic prophecies painted this future empire as two figures: first, as iron and clay feet having ten toes (2:33, 41–43) and second, as an indescribable beast having ten horns and one little horn (Dan. 7:7–8, 19–25). No historical evidence exists that matches these descriptions. When the elements of this prophecy are compared with other Scriptures, it is clear that the final Rome is yet to come.

Notice the following parallels: Jesus Christ referred to Daniel’s prophecies as future. He predicted that “Jerusalem shall be trodden down by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled” (Lk. 21:24). That unique phrase, “the times of the Gentiles,” refers to the period of history that began when Jerusalem was conquered by Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar in 586 B.C. Since then, Gentile domination of Jerusalem has continued and will do so in the future. Only at Jesus’ return will the holy city return to the unqualified control of the Jewish people under their Messiah.

Jesus also described the great event after the future Tribulation.
“And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud, with power and great glory” (Lk. 21:27).

He applied the phrase from Daniel 7:13, “the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven,” to Himself! Jesus Christ, the Son of man, will someday return from heaven and establish His Kingdom on earth. (See alsoRevelation 19:11–21.)

The apostle John introduced the last book of the Bible with words from the prophet Daniel,

“Behold, he cometh with clouds” (Rev. 1:7).
The book of Revelation ends with a description much like Daniel’s dream. Notice the mention of thrones, a court for judgment, and the reign of the saints in Revelation 20:4.

“And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them…and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.”

The New Testament supplies more details about the ten horns and the little horn of Daniel’s dream. Revelation describes the ten horns as ten kings, correlating with Daniel’s prophecy.

“And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, who have received no kingdom as yet, but receive power as kings one hour with the beast” (Rev. 17:12). (See also 12:3 and 13:1.)

During the future Tribulation period, ten kings will emerge simultaneously and support one who will rule the world. That one is known as Daniel’s “little horn.” John referred to him as “the beast” (Rev. 13:1). Paul called him “the man of sin” and “that wicked one,” who is destined for destruction by the Lord (2 Th. 2:3, 8–9). This Satan-inspired enemy of God is also known as the “antichrist” (1 Jn. 2:18). Daniel’s time reference (a time, times, and half a time) is repeated in Revelation 12:14 and equated with other time designations (1260 days in Rev. 11:3 and 12:6; forty-two months in Rev. 11:2 and 13:5). These all indicate three and one-half years—exactly one-half of the seven-year Tribulation period.

While no one knows when these prophecies will be fulfilled, ominous signs in the present world may foreshadow this coming, evil empire. Europe’s fragmentation is giving way to unification similar to ancient Rome’s. Technology and the Internet are binding the people of many nations together, and formerly independent economies have grown interdependent. Meanwhile, Israel grows increasingly isolated in world opinion, while Christians endure persecution as the new, silent minority. These shadows portend a future reality that matches Daniel’s prophecy of a new world order, led by the “little horn,” against the God of heaven.

God spoke through Daniel to give comfort and hope to His people in exile. Today that Word continues to enlighten and encourage believers to be watchful for the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. God is in control. The times of the Gentiles will one day give way to the Kingdom of the Messiah! In the future time of Tribulation, God will pour out His wrath upon the great statue and the beast that have stood in defiance against Him. God will then send His Son to declare victory.

“And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdom of this world is become the kingdom of our Lord, and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever” (Rev. 11:15).

WHY I AM NOT A DISPENSATIONALIST; John Nelson Darby is recognized as the father of dispensationalism later made popular in the United States by Cyrus Scofield's Scofield Reference Bible. Charles Henry Mackintosh, 1820–1896, with his popular style spread Darby's teachings to humbler elements in society and may be regarded as the journalist of the Brethren Movement. CHM popularised Darby more than any other Brethren author. As there was no Christian teaching of a “rapture” before Darby began preaching about it in the 1830s, he is sometimes credited with originating the "secret rapture" theory wherein Christ will suddenly remove His bride, the Church, from this world before the judgments of the tribulation. Dispensationalist beliefs about the fate of the Jews and the re-establishment of the Kingdom of Israel put dispensationalists at the forefront of Christian Zionism, because "God is able to graft them in again," and they believe that in His grace he will do so according to their understanding of Old Testament prophecy. They believe that, while the methodologies of God may change, His purposes to bless Israel will never be forgotten, just as He has shown unmerited favour to the Church, He will do so to a remnant of Israel to fulfill all the promises made to the genetic seed of Abraham. I am not a dispensationalist; it is unbiblical.

The U.S. is preparing for Military Intervention in Syrian Conflict

By Bob Maginnis
Syria’s dictator will defeat his foes unless America takes the lead and, based on the signals coming from the White House, the odds favor U.S. military action this year.

President Bashir al-Assad, Syria’s dictator, appears to have the upper hand in the 15-month old revolution that has claimed more than 10,000 lives. His security forces remain loyal and his allies—namely Russia and Iran—steadfastly protect him from financial and diplomatic pressure and are keeping him armed to the teeth.

Further, any hope Assad might abandon Damascus was flushed when the United Nations high commissioner announced last week there can be no amnesty for crimes committed under his regime. A similar threat persuaded Libya’s dictator to fight to the death.

ASSAD NOT BACKING DOWN
Assad’s intractable position presents President Barack Obama a tough choice: ignore Syria or intervene. At this point the Obama administration is signaling it might intervene even though no critical American interests are at stake.

But right now he is under increasing pressure from members of congress and his Republican opponent, Mitt Romney, who said “It is far past time for the U.S. to begin to lead and put an end to the Assad regime.” The administration is signaling its intention to act by building a case for action.

Last week White House spokesman Jay Carney said a window of opportunity for a peaceful political transition in Syria “will not remain open for long.” Then Carney cited the same talking points used earlier in the week by U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice to predict dire consequences should Assad remain in power: sectarian war that spills into other countries and morphs into a proxy war with Iran.

Connecting America’s Mideast nemesis, Iran, to the Syrian war provides pretext for action because domestic opinion already perceives Tehran as a threat to America’s vital national interests. Carney said the Persian hegemon uses violence in Syria to gain influence by delivering arms and sending troops to advise Assad’s forces.

Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps troops provide operational support to Assad’s security forces and the pro-regime militiamen, the shabiha, many of whom are members of Assad’s minority Allawite Shi’ite sect. Pentagon spokesman Captain John Kirby confirmed Tehran’s complicity in the violence; we “have reason to believe that Iran continues to assist the Assad regime in committing these acts of atrocities,” a reference to the May 25 massacre in Houla that claimed 108 innocent lives.

THE MILITARY OPTION
Press Secretary Carney said Syria is a “matter of great and intense focus” in White House meetings, signaling the crisis is a top national security priority. He acknowledged we “are skeptical [the UN's ceasefire plan] will be complied with [by Assad] ... That is why we are talking with our partners about other options.”

“The president has been in regular consultation with our allies [about the Syrian crisis],” said Josh Earnest, a White House spokesman. Some of our key allies share the view that the time for action is getting close. For example, the British foreign secretary William Hague signaled the situation in Syria has become so grave that military options are being actively considered.

Hague said the United Kingdom is not yet ready to supply arms to Syrian rebels, something the Obama administration is planning to do according to the Associated Press. But he warned should the crisis require military intervention it would be vastly larger than in Libya and would require broad international support.

Syria’s next door neighbor Turkey believes the international community is preparing to go beyond sanctions as well. Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said last week “There is also a limit to the patience in the UN Security Council” over ending the bloodshed in Syria. The U.S. called for a Security Council meeting this week to debate further action.

CHINA, RUSSIA UNITED AGAINST INTERVENTION IN SYRIA
But the Security Council won’t authorize military action without consent from Russia and China, which have twice vetoed resolutions on Syria. Russian President Vladimir Putin says a political solution is still possible and believes nothing could be imposed by force.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton signaled she believes the Russians and by association the Chinese can be persuaded to back stronger action. “The Russians ... keep telling me they don’t want to see a civil war and I have been telling them their [Syria] policy is going to help contribute to a civil war,” she said.

Clinton likely told Putin violence has already spilled over from Syria into several areas in Lebanon, where riots have caused many deaths. Violence is wracking

Tripoli as intense clashes occur between extremist Islamists and al-Qaeda, who are collaborating with the Syrian rebels and pro-Assad Allawites. Even the capital Beirut has seen fighting between Sunni groups and supporters of the Syrian regime.

EXPECT MILITARY ACTION TO BE INCREMENTAL
The administration is also signaling it has military options. Last week chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin Dempsey told Fox News “There is always a military option.” He said military leaders are “cautious” about the use of force, “but it may come to [that] point with Syria because of the atrocities.” There was another Syrian atrocity last week.

“We’ll be prepared to provide options if asked to do so,” Dempsey said. The general admits Syria is a “very capable” adversary with a sophisticated, integrated air defense system and chemical and biological weapons.

The administration has already signaled it is preparing to deal with Syria’s weapons of mass destruction (WMD). Earlier in the year the State Department notified Syria’s neighbors of the WMD threat. In fact, the U.S. military is working with the
Jordanians on plans to seize Syria’s WMD arsenal should the regime fall. The administration does not want a repeat of the Libya operation whereby arsenals of sophisticated missiles were carted away by terrorists.

Subject to Obama’s political decision expect military action to be incremental and subject to Assad’s response to steadily increasing pressure. Likely, our first wave will be to arm and train the rebels.

A second wave of military-related actions may become necessary if diplomacy continues to fail and Russia and China acquiesce to a UN resolution authorizing the use of force. That would likely be a decapitation campaign designed to knockout Syria’s key leaders and their security centers using cruise missiles and stealth-delivered precision-guided bombs.

A third wave of incremental military action would be the creation of a no-fly zone like the 2011 Libya campaign. That will first require softening Syria’s air defences followed by a persistent aerial presence using bases in Turkey and Jordan and carriers in the Mediterranean Sea. This step would include partitioning Syria to create safe havens for rebel forces and refugees.

The final wave would be an invasion to carry out regime change that must come with a clear UN mandate and significant Arab participation. This would be an Iraq-style operation requiring perhaps 200,000 troops and years of post-invasion stabilization.

The Obama administration has already created the pretext to intervene in Syria and now is signalling its intent. The next step is for the president to make the political decision that is expected very soon.

WHY I AM NOT A DISPENSATIONALIST; John Nelson Darby is recognized as the father of dispensationalism later made popular in the United States by Cyrus Scofield's Scofield Reference Bible. Charles Henry Mackintosh, 1820–1896, with his popular style spread Darby's teachings to humbler elements in society and may be regarded as the journalist of the Brethren Movement. CHM popularised Darby more than any other Brethren author. As there was no Christian teaching of a “rapture” before Darby began preaching about it in the 1830s, he is sometimes credited with originating the "secret rapture" theory wherein Christ will suddenly remove His bride, the Church, from this world before the judgments of the tribulation. Dispensationalist beliefs about the fate of the Jews and the re-establishment of the Kingdom of Israel put dispensationalists at the forefront of Christian Zionism, because "God is able to graft them in again," and they believe that in His grace he will do so according to their understanding of Old Testament prophecy. They believe that, while the methodologies of God may change, His purposes to bless Israel will never be forgotten, just as He has shown unmerited favour to the Church, He will do so to a remnant of Israel to fulfill all the promises made to the genetic seed of Abraham. I am not a dispensationalist; it is unbiblical.

The World's Largest Biometric Database

A new biometric database that is now in the process of identifying 1.2 billions citizens of India is very much a precursor to what Bible Prophecy warns will come for all citizens of the world.

The book of Revelation tells us that every person will be required to accept a "mark" which will both identify the holder as a follower of the Antichrist, as well the mark will allow that person to buy and sell.

ID DATABASE FORGES AHEAD
The new biometric ID database in India will have various biometric data on each Indian citizen, (iris scan, fingerprints, photographs), and will issue a new unique number to each citizen.

It will also make it much simpler for that person to open bank accounts and receive and make payments simply by authenticating himself or herself using a biometric reading devise, (the reader will scan their iris, fingerprints or face).

We certainly cannot be far from the fulfilment of this prophecy, when we hear that 1.2 billion of the 7 billion people on the earth will soon be marked with a new ID that allows them to receive payments and make withdrawals with the wave of a scanned hand or face.

16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:

17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

18 Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six. (KJV)

From the article:
In the last two years, over 200 million Indian nationals have had their fingerprints, photographs taken, and irises scanned, and given a unique 12-digit number that should identify them everywhere and to everyone.

This is only the beginning, and the goal is to do the same with the entire population (1.2 billion), so that poorer Indians can finally prove their existence and identity when needed for getting documents, getting help from the government, and opening bank and other accounts.

This immense task needs a database that can contain over 12 billion fingerprints, 1.2 billion photographs, and 2.4 billion iris scans, can be queried from diverse devices connected to the Internet, and can return accurate results in an extremely short time.

The program - dubbed UIDAI—is lead by techno tycoon Nandan Nilekani, and is already a big success, as its effectiveness has been proved by a number of trials that allowed citizens to open bank accounts electronically, receive payments from the government directly into them, and withdrawing the money from them by authenticating themselves on a slew of simple devices....

WHY I AM NOT A DISPENSATIONALIST; John Nelson Darby is recognized as the father of dispensationalism later made popular in the United States by Cyrus Scofield's Scofield Reference Bible. Charles Henry Mackintosh, 1820–1896, with his popular style spread Darby's teachings to humbler elements in society and may be regarded as the journalist of the Brethren Movement. CHM popularised Darby more than any other Brethren author. As there was no Christian teaching of a “rapture” before Darby began preaching about it in the 1830s, he is sometimes credited with originating the "secret rapture" theory wherein Christ will suddenly remove His bride, the Church, from this world before the judgments of the tribulation. Dispensationalist beliefs about the fate of the Jews and the re-establishment of the Kingdom of Israel put dispensationalists at the forefront of Christian Zionism, because "God is able to graft them in again," and they believe that in His grace he will do so according to their understanding of Old Testament prophecy. They believe that, while the methodologies of God may change, His purposes to bless Israel will never be forgotten, just as He has shown unmerited favour to the Church, He will do so to a remnant of Israel to fulfill all the promises made to the genetic seed of Abraham. I am not a dispensationalist; it is unbiblical.