Hal Lindsey Report ~ June 28th, 2013

Kinda important, Christian... I'm thankful for this man's ministry.

June 28th, 2013 This week on 'The Hal Lindsey Report'   Iran has a new president-elect that the Administration and the media think is a "moderate." Does this sound like a "moderate?" In 1993, Hassan Rohani officially approved the bombing of a Jewish community center in Buenos Aires, Argentina. 85 people were killed (mostly Jews) and more than 300 injured. He approved of Iran's brutal crackdown on student protesters in 1999. He brags of deceiving the West into allowing Iran's nuclear program to go forward while serving as Iran's nuclear negotiator with the Europeans. Also, Rohani has had a long and close relationship with Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei -- something not common among true Iranian "moderates." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warns the West not to expect much of a change in Iran. He points out that in Iran the president "doesn't call the shots," the Supreme Leader does. And he hasn't changed. Here's something that may surprise you. Remember the Taliban? They're the guys we've been fighting in Afghanistan, the ones who sheltered and fought alongside Osama bin-Laden. They're the ones who ran Afghanistan for a few years and who are known for their brutality and cruelty -- all in the name of Islam. They publicly lop off the limbs of "infidels;" behead youngsters scavenging for food; behead teenagers (17 of them) who ill-advisedly attend a party that includes both boys and girls; shoot a 15-year old girl in the head for wanting to go to school; strap dynamite belts on small children and send them to American soldiers to beg for candy; treat women and girls as cattle... and that's just the stuff they've done recently that we know about! Anyway, those are the guys President Obama has decided to negotiate with for "peace" in Afghanistan. Not the elected president we've spent billions establishing and supporting in office. Apparently, the State Department feels they can influence the Taliban into "renouncing terrorism and violence." Maybe at the same time the Administration can influence baseball players into renouncing the use of bats while playing the game! What's more, the Taliban doesn't have to give an inch or offer any concessions before the U.S. hands them Afghanistan on a silver platter. They know all of our combat troops will be out of the country next year. They know because our President announced it! If I could find a word more accurate than "stupid," I'd use it. "Naive" might work, but I don't think naivete is involved here. I think, however, it was naivete that drove former President George W. Bush to believe that "democracy" is an antidote to terrorism, poverty, human rights abuses, and a host of other problems plaguing the world. Just because the American Revolution worked here doesn't mean it's going to work everywhere. Just a few years later, it didn't work in France. In fact, revolution there produced the "Reign of Terror." And "revolution" as evidenced in the "Arab Spring" hasn't worked in the Middle East, either. The governments that replaced the old regimes are more brutal and suppressive than their predecessors. Iran is the perfect example of revolution gone wrong. And the Egyptians, among others, are now paying the price, too. Why? Because democracy doesn't survive in cultures dominated by Islam -- which is the antithesis of freedom of choice and action. Democracy is a beautiful thing, but by itself, it isn't enough. Democracy works best in places where Biblical principles are respected. It eventually dies everywhere that respect dies. That's because liberty by itself leads to depravity. Depravity leads to tyranny. I've got news for our government and the West: if you expect the al-Qaeda-led rebels in Syria to successfully set up a government that is of the people, by the people, and for the people, you are sadly mistaken. (Once again, if I could find a better word than "stupid," I'd use it.) It will work no better there than in Iran, Egypt, Iraq, or Afghanistan. History tells us that Muslim nations have never long remained democracies. But history also teaches us that man learns nothing from history. Finally, the World Council of Churches recently issued a statement condemning Israel. The WCC authoritatively pronounced Jerusalem "an occupied city with a government which has adopted discriminatory policies against Christians and Muslims alike." The WCC also says that "Christian Zionism distort[s] the interpretation of the Word of God and the historic connection of Palestinians -- Christians and Muslims -- to the Holy Land...." I'm not sure where the WCC gets its information, but I can tell you two things: when they complain about Christian Zionists' wrong interpretation of the Bible, they have to mean that we take the Bible as literally true and authoritative -- while they do not. Second, when they seek justification by referring to "Palestinian Christians" more than once, they're being disingenuous. The truth is that Christians are a very small minority in the Palestinian areas and they are often persecuted by the Palestinians. But in Israel, Christians are accepted and respected. And it's infinitely better to be a Muslim in Israel than a Jew or Christian in any Arab or Muslim country. And the WCC laughably refers to "the historic connection of Palestinians... to the Holy Land...." The Palestinians, as a people, have only existed for a few decades (invented by Yasser Arafat and his cronies) while Israel's historic connection to the land must be measured in millennia. When these phony Christians condemn the "intolerance" of the most tolerant, open, and accepting society in the Middle East, they reveal more about themselves than about Israel. Israel fights every day to survive. Remember how you felt when you first heard about the bombings at the Boston Marathon? Three died. That feeling is a regular part of Israeli life. From 2001 to 2006, there were 441 terrorist attacks that claimed 1,161 Israeli lives and injured more than 8,600 others. The World Council of Churches says the way to peace is for Israel to withdraw to its "1967 borders." But the terrorists and the Palestinians say this won't satisfy them. They won't be satisfied until Israel is annihilated from the face of the earth. For radical Muslim leaders (are there any others?), the problem is not what Israel does, it's that Israel exists. The Bible is very specific about what will happen to those who mistreat or abuse His people. Whether you are a Muslim who hates Israel or a Christian who has so allegorized the Word of God that you think you can be against Israel and get away with it, you will not. God keeps His word. Don't think He'll not keep it now. I pray that you'll have a happy Fourth of July. Take a few moments to express your gratitude to God for the blessings of this wonderful country. We are, without doubt, the most blessed people on earth. Take time, too, to make certain the young ones in your family hear the story of our founding and understand how truly privileged we are. God bless the United States of America. Don't miss this week's Report on TBN, Daystar, CPM Network, The Word Network, various local stations, www.hallindsey.com or www.hischannel.com. Check your local listings. God Bless, Hal Lindsey

America, God's Idea - The American Dream Part II

The following posts come out of the belief that there are those that are actively seeking to destroy America and everything for which she stands. Obviously, I am not alone in this belief. Books have been written, the airwaves full of talk show hosts and television shows that are speaking to this concern. These next few posts are simply my observations and thoughts about what seems to be taking place.

 

To clarify my position, I believe in America because I believe the nations were designed by God for a reason. He is the One who set the boundaries, and He tells us why in Scripture. Unmistakably, God is for boundaries; and the nations are without a doubt, His idea.

 

This fact is made clearly obvious in Genesis 11:7-8 when God confounded the languages at the Tower of Babel. Further, all end time prophecies center around the fact that necessitates the need for a division of nations remain, for those end time prophecies to be fulfilled.

From God Divided the Nations by Noah Hutchings:

“Scripture affirms that mankind is divided into nations, races, and languages according to the will of God so that His purpose for man and the earth might be fulfilled.  The apostle Paul declared that God not only brought about this separation, but He created boundaries so that the nations would stay divided.”

In Acts 17:24-26 we read:

²⁴God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;

²⁵ Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;

²⁶ And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;

 

This Scripture makes it undoubtedly clear God intended the nations as part of His creation.

 

Therefore, that leaves us to better understand that America is also God’s idea. He allowed America for a reason, at the specific time needed; and He was intentional in her purpose. I believe our Founders sought Divine guidance and direction from the God of the Universe as they continued in their idea and design of all that is America. That design and purpose of this new land was choreographed with the Constitution and the fulfillment of that document came to be known as the American Dream – a land better; a life better for God’s glory. The American Dream is living in Freedom without the constraints of a worldly government controlling our lives.

 

If America is truly God’s design, what right do we have to destroy it, or idly sit back while others try?  Lately, we have seen quite a bit of redefining of the “American Dream”. That’s what I hope to address in this post.

 

So with that belief as preface, I will continue in my thoughts about where America is headed. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that to destroy America one would have to destroy the American Dream. Do you think that would be difficult?  Well it sure seems like it would be.  I mean, what is there to find fault with in the American Dream?

 

Everything about it is good:  Living in freedom (freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the right to privacy); desiring a good home; raising ones family; working hard; and striving to make one’s life better are all a part of the American Dream. Coming out of poverty to success; maybe from a country less privileged to seek citizenship in the greatest nation on earth is also what we think about when we try to define the American Dream. Striving for excellence…basically seeking “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” are all a part of this treasured concept dating back to the inception of the Constitution.

 

Still, we have those that would seek to destroy it.  Wow!  For what purpose? And how?

That is what I hope to address in these posts. I am only going to touch the surface; simply the obvious. I will leave the in-depth politics and ideologies of it all to those more qualified.  I only hope to promote thought and discussion among people like me – the normal citizen simply trying to get along in these crazy times.

 

Obviously, if one is going to seek to destroy something, especially something as great as the American Dream, it would need to be redefined.  It would need to have faults exposed. The concept – what it truly is – would have to be changed in the minds of Americans. We will have to make something good, now something evil.

 

The “counter culture” groups (yes, they were counter culture) in the 60’s attempted this. They were fairly successful. The hippies (or rather those promoting this ideology) were fairly effective in reaching a generation to reject material things. But that wasn’t really what it was all about. Thoughts and patterns were changed during this time. We experienced a culture shift and it wasn’t good. I will write more about that later.

 

But for now I want to write about the present. We are once again seeing an attack on the American Dream. It is coming from quite an unexpected source, however – the church.

 

It’s actually a brilliant strategy.  What better place to convince Americans about the evil design of the American Dream than where evil thoughts, desires, and actions have traditionally been warned. Further, to completely destroy the concept of the American dream, this is the group of Americans that most needed to be reached – Christians, and the church.  Basically, there was a need to go to the place where the last of the conservative thinkers tend to gather.  Others had already been effectively targeted and reached in the 60’s and beyond - using the media, our colleges, and public schools.

 

Certainly none of this happened overnight. Churches basically also needed to change. The Church had to be infiltrated – if you will – with a more liberal mindset taking place. There needed to be a focus off Scripture and even off politics; because the politics that tended to be in the church were mostly conservative. And contrary to what you want to belief or have been taught – politics ARE in the church and always have been. We have simply turned “politics” into a dirty word.

 

Further, the Holy Bible has the answer and solution to the ills of the world, so we certainly can’t have people looking there. Scripture could be used out of context however, if it would back up any points that are needed to change the hearts of those targeted. A little truth is mandatory if falsehoods are to be trusted and believed. But aside from using truth to the necessary advantage, the strategy mission would have to be carried out using the social aspect of the church – aiding the poor, helping the downtrodden; all worthwhile goals especially useful when it can be twisted to make America’s riches look like greed. Thus, I believe the “social gospel” was born.

 

Now, certainly, Christians and most Americans want to do what is right.  We believe in helping others; aiding the downtrodden; feeding the hungry. We desire to do what we can when others are in trouble. We are instructed to do so in Scripture. It is ironic and also amazing that because of the American Dream, Americans have always been able to do just that.  America has always been the first to offer aid, come to the rescue, basically the Super Man of the world showing up wherever needed. We have this “in us” because of our Judeo-Christian roots and heritage. It is for no other reason – look at any other nation that lacks Christ in their foundation and you will see what I mean. The irony comes in the fact that what has enabled us to be the Super Man of the world is what is now under attack.  Americans are being redefined as selfish, puffed-up, fat, rich, selfish, barely human beings living for what else – ourselves and “the American Dream”. More than that, Christians are also being defined in this way, but not simply by non-believers. We are also being defined that way by other “Christians”.

 

Richard Stearns in his recent book The Hole in Our Gospel devotes an entire chapter entitled “Putting the American Dream to Death”. In this chapter he states:  “Aspiring to material comfort and success are not necessarily core Christian values. [True!] A person who dreams of becoming wealthy so she can indulge her every selfish fantasy is not in alignment with God’s ideals.”

The rest of Mr. Stearns' statement is also true, but who is he to say that Christians are doing this? That certainly isn’t my view of the American Christian, though of course there may be many (unsaved) Americans that have not come into a greater understanding of the Bible that the majority of Christians in America should and do have. But it certainly isn’t up to Richard Stearns to determine that.

After attempting to guilt the reader into his way of thinking, Stearns forgets that to be a "good steward of what God has given us", that should also include protecting what God has given us in the design and fulfillment of all that is America. Stearns caps it all off in the final sentence of that chapter when he informs us: “If we’re in God’s game, we need to put the American Dream to death, because God’s game is a different game altogether.”  Yep, it sure is…but Stearns is forgetting a larger part of the "game" of which he is speaking. Furthermore, to state that American Christians don’t understand from Whom their blessings flow, is a slap in the face to those of us who might not agree with Richard Stearns.

Rob Bell, controversial “Christian” author, (I call him a heretic) has written books about the changes in the “American” Christian, advocating a liberal political mindset and seemingly a good deal of disdain for America. I hate to even give him space here, but he is dangerously influencing Christians, especially those of the younger generations. Bell is trying to change fundamental Christianity to something far more liberal with many false teachings. I believe his liberal view of "politics", is why.

Pastor and author, John Piper, has video after video which seem to attack the American Dream when he states:  

“What a tragedy in America. This is one of the biggest tragedies in our culture that billions of dollars are invested every year to get people my age to waste the rest of our lives…on retirement.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_ep5gkjCLE  Every time I listen to this video, I am once again angered by the guilt he tries to place on Christians (as well as non-Christians) with his message. His video conveniently forgets the fact that many of those millions of retirees he is lambasting in the video are not even Christians, so how can we expect them to act any other way. He uses a high statistical number (billions of dollars) to make his point about wasting lives, but non-Christians are included in those high number stats, as well. Again, we can't expect them to act like Christians - or rather, how Piper believes Christians should act. He is targeting a source that will in no way bring others into the Kingdom. But rather, he denounces the American Dream that which - by my way of thinking - is one of the most important means that will aid in bringing the Gospel so that others might come into the Kingdom.

Or:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSl_SCQkaYg  - What Piper fails to mention here is that it is America and Americans that are the ones who are taking care of the downtrodden of the world whom he considerately and compassionately shows in this video.

 

Now I am in no way a proponent of the “prosperity gospel”; but the bottom line is, we don’t have to bash America to get people to think about, consider, and live for the Lord. This only aids and I will even say joins forces with those that are actively seeking to destroy America and our Christian roots.

 

My point in bringing up these examples is not to attack anyone’s ministry; but I have to ask why are we suddenly seeing this visceral attack of Americans and our way of life in the Christian community?  I'm not saying these men are purposely out to destroy America. I can't say that; I don't know these men. I believe most are largely unaware of the harm that is being done.  But I have to ask why is this happening? Again, It only aids those that seek to destroy America. Someone has intentions. It had to start somewhere...think about that.

 

Those going along with the attack on this concept called America, fail to realize if not for the riches we have been blessed with by the American Dream, we would not be able to bring this aid to the world that men like those I have mentioned, certainly seem to desire. What some don’t seem to realize is once our nation is no longer built upon making ourselves better, we will no longer have the resources to be the ones that answer every call to a hurting world.

 

The first to come to this land, came out of a desire to worship freely and to share the Gospel to those they may encounter here. This is documented fact, regardless of what the modern day history books may tell you. “Thoughts of a better life” has been our desire since the beginning of our nation. And there is nothing wrong with that. God put this desire into the hearts of those that founded this idea called America. The United States of America was born to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is the American Dream and the capitalistic system that has allowed us the means to do so.

 

The American Dream IS America. It is who we are, why we were conceived in the hearts and minds of not only our Founders, but from those that first set foot in this land looking for a better way.  When we try to change it, dismantle it, criticize it, we aren’t just attacking God’s servants who helped create America generations ago, we are also attacking those patriots that are actively working in the present to maintain America, and all for which she stands. "It's a dirty job, but someone has to do it." But really, even more important than all of that, when we attack America or allow her to be attacked, we are attacking God’s idea and God's plan. You up for that?

 

If it is truly God that orchestrated the birth of America – and He did – then what right do we have to destroy it? If America is God’s idea, don’t we have a responsibility to be good stewards of what He gave us?  And I don’t mean stewardship only in economics, but I mean stewardship in protecting all that we have in America. That involves protecting our rights, our Constitution, our government. What right as Americans, as Christians, as citizens do we have to destroy, or allow others to destroy what God has done? 

 

I will write more thoughts about this later. Join me?

 

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By way of the Constitution, America's design and purpose was choreographed by the Founder’s deep belief and trust in God. The "American Dream" has simply become the dance. America offers a land better; a life better, a means to bring aid to a hurting world - for God’s glory.

 

Complicit in Complacency

Below is an important message from: "Secure America Now. Please take a moment to read it and sign the petition. It is such an easy thing to do and takes so little time. Below this message is a sample letter written to Speaker John Boehner. Feel free to use it in its entirety or parts of it.

I keep thinking if one of the men killed in Benghazi were my son, I surely wouldn't want America to be silent. I would want citizens to demand answers and do all they could to bring to justice those involved.

This isn't politics. This is about standing for what is right; and demanding answers. We are complicit in our complacency.

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Is Obama Blocking Susan Rice From Testifying About Benghazi?

Today, President Obama announced that UN Ambassador Susan Rice will become head of the National Security Council.

Why did Obama move her to the Executive Branch? Rice already had a seat in the President's cabinet.

One possible answer is that he wanted to make space for another anti-Israel voice by appointing Samantha Power to the United Nations.

Another possible reason is that as a member of the Executive Branch, Rice could be shielded from being questioned about Benghazi. This is one issue preventing Congress from questioning her about who told her to go on television and blame the attack in Benghazi on an anti-Islam YouTube video.

Look for the Obama Administration to claim Executive privilege if a congressional committee calls her to testify. That is why the House leadership must form a Select Committee that would have subpoena power to force Rice to testify.

Please contact House Speaker John Boehner and urge him to appoint a Select Committee Now.

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Sample Letter to the Speaker of the House:

 

Dear Speaker Boehner,

What has happened in Benghazi is not only a disgrace to the Obama administration it has also become a disgrace to our nation.  That we have allowed something like this to continue without finding the necessary answers shows us ALL to be foolishly negligent.

In my opinion, by promoting Susan Rice to the National Security Council, President Obama has shown his disdain for America and all that we believe. Further, this action shows he has no problem with the lies that Rice told, and leads me to believe Rice was probably most likely directed by Obama, himself. If he believes he can protect her by this move, we need to prove otherwise. If Americans ignore what happened in Benghazi, we are as complicit as those involved.

Please, the House leadership must form a Select Committee that would have subpoena power to force Rice to testify. I urge you to appoint a Select Committee now. We must get the answers in regard to all that took place in Benghazi not only for the sake of those that died and their families, but for the sake of our great nation.

Respectfully,

The American Dream

When people “get it”, it’s apparent.  A week or so ago, I was watching the popular television show The Voice.  Shakira – who I had no clue about before she became a coach on The Voice – made an interesting comment to one of the contestants. She was commending this contestant for the hard work and effort the young singer displayed, while also praising her for reaching the accomplishments she had already attained.

“You are the American Dream.” Shakira told her. “You are improving and getting better with hard work.”

Now, I don't know anything about Shakira, nor anything that she stands for or believes. This is not an endorsement of Shakira, but clearly she "gets" the "American Dream", and isn't afraid to say so. What she said to the young artist is basically the epitome of the American Dream; and Shakira appears to understand that. Shakira is a Colombian singer-songwriter, crossing national boundaries to become a world pop star. She has gained a great deal of accomplishment and popularity in the United States.  Perhaps coming from another country into success in the United States gave her a better understanding of  the American Dream. I don't know; but clearly Shakira has a respect for America as revealed in her comment and advice to the young beginner.

Contrast that with the comment Adam Levine - lead vocalist for Maroon 5 and also a coach on The Voice - recently made, when one his contestants on the show was cut.  “I hate this country,” he breathed, apparently unaware, into a hot mic.

Now, I am not going to beat up too much on Adam. I don’t believe he really hates this country. We all make mistakes or sometimes say things we don’t mean in frustration. Levine later apologized and attempted to explain his comment.

But clearly, he doesn’t “get it”, or he would never have been able to make such a statement.

Obviously, both of these singers are a huge success, gaining much for their lives in capitalistic America. Neither of them should ever want to run down the nation that has brought them such achievement.  I believe it is a clear example of taking for granted growing up in America without understanding all that is great here; versus growing up elsewhere that may not be quite as rich in blessings. Maybe there is also some liberal influence in Adams's life revealed here. I don't know; but I am not surprised by any of it.

I hope to begin a series of posts discussing the change in Americans regarding our "dream" and all that we have lost in the United States in these later times.

Please stay tuned. You can "Follow" along anonymously by email by registering at the top, left of this page.