Anti-Israel Bias at Baptist Press

I've become increasingly distressed that Baptist Press, my own denominations news service, seems to have such a pro-Palestinian approach to coverage of issues in Israel.  They primarily do not cover any of the significant events of Israel, and when they do it typically puts Israel in a bad light.

Two articles distributed March 29 are typical of the BP coverage.  The first article contained these words:

It's been years of territorial back and forth for the two groups, ending most recently in 2009 after a war that saw 1,300 Palestinians and 13 Israelis die. Since then, relative calm had pervaded, and Israel had seemed like the eye of the political storm sweeping the region.

But that all changed in the past few weeks.

More than 80 rockets and mortar shells have been launched from the Palestinian territory of Gaza into southern Israel, and the bus bomb that killed Gardner injured more than 30 others. Retaliatory attacks by Israel have killed 10 Palestinians, with Israeli officials voicing regret over the deaths of two teens playing football outside their house.

A war of 1,300 vs. 13 gives the impression of a brutal government (Israel) terrorizing a helpless people (Palestinians).  Notice that the rockets were launched "from the Palestinian territory" rather than "by Palestinians" or "by Hamas."  The "bus bomb" was mentioned with no indication of its origin, and the brutal killing of the Jewish family (mostly young children killed in their sleep) the week before was never mentioned.  The "retaliatory attacks by Israel" that killed 10 Palestinians (assumedly retaliation for the one death of the bus bomb) are not elaborated upon other than to say 2 of the 10 were teens playing football (once again, a brutal nation terrorizing innocent Palestinians). 

Furthermore, the 100:1 ratio of dead is a widely used inflammatory number that is easily discredited.  The number was used by the Wasington Post and its use criticized just the day before the BP article.  You can read the fallacy of the numbers here.

The second article in today's BP release was almost disgusting in its portrayal of Jews ("It's very hard when you grow up and someone hits you ... it is very hard to give them forgiveness." --this sounds like a Jewish holocaust victim but it is the words of the Palestinian Christian).  The Israeli soldiers "dictated when his family could leave the house and took his brother to jail after breaking three of his ribs."  Those on the Palestinian side of the "dividing wall" are only pictured as heart-stricken believers who love Jesus, while those on the Jewish side are "adrift in spiritual emptiness."  The article clearly favored the brutalized Palestinians who valiantly struggle to forgive and give Christian witness to the brutality of IDF soldiers.

Baptist Press consistently fails to recognize that Palestinian terrorists have a long history of targeting non-combatants in this conflict.  The Palestinian terrorists of Gaza, in their indiscriminant use of rockets on civilian populations, are guilty of war crimes. The recent bus bombing in Jerusalem, the slaughter of the family in Itamar and the ceaseless barrage of rocket attacks for the last 8 years, are all targeted purposefully at civilians to inflict maximum casualties and terror.

Israel, on the other hand, has a moral obligation included in the code of the Israel Defense Forces, not to target non-combatants.  That has played out many times over the years including in Operation Cast Lead when the IDF dropped leaflets and sent text messages warning Palestinian civilians to be aware of incoming attacks on Hamas terrorists.  Those notices were required because Hamas and other terror groups purposefully use the very people they are advocating for as human shields.

There is no moral equivalency between the actions of the Israel Defense Forces and Palestinian terrorists.  To create such equivalency is to make a mockery of both Christianity and Judaism.

Whether the bias of Baptist Press is out of ignorance, journalistic laziness, misplaced Christian sympathies, or out of replacement theology and disregard for God’s promises to Israel, I cannot tell.  I obviously do not believe in dual covenant theology, but I do think that Southern Baptists have forgotten about the covenants that do exist between God and Israel.   It would be most refreshing if, in Baptist Press, Palestinians were not continually portrayed as the good guys and Israel as the bad guys. 

For another recent post about Baptist Press bias, click here.

“For Zion’s sake I will not be silent.” Isaiah 62:1

www.randywhiteministries.org

End Times Prophecies Fulfilled

An absolutely stunning prophetic fulfillment is happening quickly before our eyes: the transformation of Israel into a Jewish state. God is on the very verge of fulfilling the ancient promises made through Zechariah the prophet.

Let's begin with the end of the prophecy. In Zechariah 8:21 – 23, the Word of the Lord says, "the inhabitants of one [of the cities of the world] will go to another, saying, ‘let us go at once to entreat the favor of the Lord, and to seek the Lord of hosts; I will also go.’ So many peoples and mighty nations will come to seek the Lord of hosts in Jerusalem and to entreat the favor of the Lord. Thus says the Lord of hosts, in those days 10 men from all the nations will grasp the garment of a Jew, saying, ‘let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.’”

While we have not yet arrived at this place of honor for the Jew, God has promised that someday the Jew will become the most prominent (not in number but in spiritual authority) and most envied people of the entire world. In itself, that is an amazing prediction. The Jewish people have not experienced a time of prominence or blessing since the fall of the house of David. Zechariah predicted a time when the Jews would be “a curse among the nations” (Zechariah 8:13). For 2,000 years this prophecy has been fulfilled as Jews were scattered among the nations, often under persecution, with only a tiny remnant in Israel.

After 2,000 years of dispersion, one would be almost crazy to think the Jews would ever return to Israel. Even today, one would seemingly be crazy to think that the day of Israel’s prominence and Jewish leadership is close at hand. Crazy, that is, unless he or she was familiar with the Bible!

Currently, the world does not recognize that God is with Israel, as Zechariah prophesied. The world—often including the Christian world—views modern Israel as a problematic little nation with little hope for the future. Universities like Tufts, the University of Mississippi, Harvard, MIT, Colombia, and Kansas State have student and alumni campaigns to divest from Israel. Denominations like the Presbyterian Church (USA), some United Methodist conferences, the World Council of Churches, and the United Church of Christ have active divestiture resolutions. Countries like the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Canada are often filled with open disdain for Israel. In all appearances, it looks like we have a long way to go before “ten men from all the nations will grasp the garment of a Jew, saying ‘let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.’”

It may look like a long way, but look what God has been up to in the past few years.

In 1900 there were 11.2 million Jews worldwide. Of those, 80% (almost 9 million) lived in Europe. Less than 2 million lived in the North America. And—strikingly—less than 1% lived in their ancient homeland of Israel—only 78,000 Jews.

Only 100 years later—in the century that was the deadliest 100 years for Jews since the first century—things changed dramatically. Worldwide, there is a population of 13.3 million Jews (notice how the loss of over six-million affected their slow growth). Of these 13.3 million, less than 12% live in Europe (Only 1.5 million Jews, compared to 9 million 100 years earlier). Sadly, the 100 year decline of 7.5 million European Jews came chiefly through the Holocaust, in which over 6 million Jews died. The Holocaust was a direct result of the Christian church’s long-standing anti-Semitic replacement theology which caused the church to sit back and watch the wholesale slaughter of European Jewry. Behavior always grows out of theology, and bad theology always leads to bad behavior—atrocious in this case. Forty-five percent of Jews today live in North America (6 million, compared to 2 million a century ago). At the turn of this millennium, 5.3 million Jews lived in Israel—41% of all Jews, and an 8,000% increase in 100 years! Clearly, God has done a work to return Jews to Israel.

But there is more! As late as 2006 the United States had the greatest population of Jews in any country of the world. Since 2006, however, with immigration into Israel and one of the highest birthrates of any developed nation, the Jewish population of Israel has now surpassed that of any country in the world. Once again—after 2,000 years—Israel is the Jewish homeland!

As Zechariah began his prophecy about the last day’s return of the Jews to Israel, he shared how the Lord was “very much concerned for Zion.” In fact, the Lord said, “I am so concerned for her that my rage will fall on those who hurt her” (Zechariah 8:2). His stated plan was to “return to Zion and live within Jerusalem” (Zech 8:3). Notice, it was the Lord who would return, after the return of His people. When He returns, “Jerusalem will be called “truthful city,” “mountain of the Lord who rules over all,” “holy mountain.” (Zech 8:3). Zechariah speaks of a day when old men will live in the plazas of Jerusalem and the streets will be full of boys and girls playing (Zech 8:4).

For 2,000 years, such a scene seemed impossible. Before 1900 it was just a “pie in the sky” dream. Until 1967, it was an impossibility. And only in the last few years has it become a daily occurrence. The Lord also spoke of the “fat chance” nature of this prophecy being fulfilled! He said, “Though such a thing may seem to be difficult in the opinion of the small community of those days, will it also appear difficult to me?” (Zech. 8:6). Would the 78,000 Jews of Israel a hundred years ago ever dreamed that there would be almost 6 million today? Would they ever have imagined that Israel would be in their control?

Much remains to be accomplished before the Lord’s prophecy is completely fulfilled. The return of the Jews is just the beginning. In coming days, watch for a revival of Judaism in Israel (to this point it has been a largely secular state). Watch for a renewed interest in being God’s people. Watch for God’s hand to be upon Israel in dramatic ways. Watch for God to fulfill every promise ever made to Israel.

…and watch for a rapture!
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Would you like to travel to Israel with me next June? Click here for more information.

See a clip of the videobook version of "The Antichrist" here.

As always, your comments are appreciated!

rwhite@fbckaty.com

I will curse those who curse thee

God promised blessings for those who bless Abraham's descendants, and curses on those who curse them. Has he been faithful to His promises?

Here is an enlightening You Tube video on the subject of the curse side of the equation.

Financial Support for Israel

I invested in Israel today!  It wasn’t a large amount of money, but it was a direct investment in the State of Israel, helping build infrastructure for the tens of thousands of Jews who are flocking to Israel each year, in fulfillment of Isaiah 11:12.

I have the added bonus that my investment in Israel will be returned, with interest!  My investment was in a State of Israel bond.  Since 1951 “Israel Bonds” have been issued by the State of Israel, and every bond (over $30 Billion so far!) has been repaid, with interest, and on time-a perfect record. 

But my interest is not in making money; it is in “putting my money where my mouth is.”  While I am able to make charitable contributions to organizations that bless Israel, an investment in an Israel Bond is a direct and immediate influx of cash for Israel, and the investment will be returned to me with interest in the future—so that I can invest again in Israel!  It is “the gift that keeps on giving” and allows me to invest money that I may later need for other matters into Israel today.

Israel Bonds are available in small amounts—perfect for someone like me just looking to bless Israel.  Bonds are available beginning at $100.  Bonds come in 2, 3, and 5 year maturities.  They pay about what you would expect to make on a Certificate of Deposit.  If you have an IRA, you may want to invest larger amounts.  In today’s world, finding anything that pays even a couple of percentage points is a challenge. 

Will Israel be around to pay you back?  Yes!  While Israel is the most attacked nation on earth, it is also the most Biblically secure.  While I’m not sure about the future of the USA (see this blog post for that subject), I have a certainty in Israel’s protection from God. 

There are no commissions to salesmen for Israel Bonds.  The funds are used by the State of Israel to bless Israel through the building of infrastructure, development of industry, and protection of Israeli citizens through the IDF.   I think it is a good vehicle for someone who has some savings they would like to protect and use that as a blessing for Israel at the same time.

To get information, contact Eric Lipman, eric.lipman@israelbonds.com, or by phone at 713-729-3100. Tell him Randy White sent you!

As always, your comments are appreciated!

Tisha b’ Av and Showbread

Jewish historians tell us that both the first and second Temples were destroyed on the 9^th day of the Hebrew month Av (Tisha b’ Av—the 9^th of Av).  This day is now a day of mourning for the Jews, a “day of calamity.”   (Interested in learning more?  Purchase The Story of Tisha B'Av)

Is it possible that the day of calamity could ever turn to a day of victory?  Will the Temple ever be rebuilt?

It has been said that Napoleon once walked by a synagogue on the 9^th of Av and saw the weeping of a Jew.  Upon inquiring, he learned that the Temple had been destroyed 1,500 years earlier.  Reportedly, his immediate response was, “It will be rebuilt!  If there is still weeping after 1,500 years, it has never left the Jewish heart, it will be rebuilt!”

Today, the rebuilding of the Temple is a growing passion for many Jews.  Although still in the minority, 49% of Jews in Israel believe the Temple should be rebuilt.  Only 23% said they do not want the Temple rebuilt. 

Christians believe that the Temple will be rebuilt before the Second Coming of Christ.  Unfortunately, the Antichrist will set himself up as God in this rebuilt Temple, and it will become the center point of calamity for the Jews.  This event is called the Abomination of Desolation, and was spoken of by Daniel and Jesus.  It signifies an important turning point in the last seven year period of earth’s history.

And what is the progress of the rebuilding?  The Temple Institute of Jerusalem reports this week that, for the first time in 2,000 years, Showbread has been baked in Jerusalem!  This brings the Jewish world one step closer to having all preparations made for the construction of their Temple.

What should be the Christian response?

We rejoice that God’s Word is being fulfilled.  It is a reminder to us that His covenants with Abraham and David are still in effect.  We see the day of redemption drawing nigh.  We should pray for the peace of Jerusalem, support the nation of Israel, and be prepared for immanent rapture.  

As always, your comments are appreciated!


This video from the Temple Institute shows the desire of Jewish people to rebuild.



For a Jewish perspective on Tisha b'Av and rebuilding the Temple, click here.

The Coming Inflation

Revelation 6:5-6 warns of days of famine in our future. When He broke the third seal, I heard the third living creature saying, “Come.” I looked, and behold, a black horse; and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. And I heard something like a voice in the center of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not damage the oil and the wine.” A denarius was roughly a day’s wage. A quart of wheat or three quarts of barley would barely make a loaf of bread. In the coming days of inflation, it will take a day’s work to scrape enough floor for bread and water. The oil and wine will become scarce commodities worthy of armed protection.

I’m no economist, but it is easy to see that the groundwork for such inflation has already been placed. “Hyperinflation” is the rampant, out-of-control devaluation of currency. It has happened in Germany after WWI, in Yugoslavia in the 1990’s, and in Zimbabwe in this decade.
More money is not equal to more wealth. In fact, just the opposite is true. Our economic system is built on a need for growth. This has even come down to a personal level. We buy today, planning to pay tomorrow, because we will have more money tomorrow. This has worked fine as long as we had more money tomorrow. Many individuals have come to a “day of reckoning” and had catastrophe. When this happens to governments, they simply print more money to pay the bill.

In the United States, we have been able to finance our increase in “wealth” by borrowing money, in large part, from China. But with China’s economy in its own troubles, it is unlikely they will continue to invest their wealth into our pockets. This means that the inflow of wealth to pay for the printing of money will stop. But, the printing of money will not stop. Money will be printed, by necessity, to pay bills already due.

So what if our system collapses and our money becomes worthless? The first noticeable inflation will be in food costs and energy costs. These will skyrocket, and quickly. Because these are essential, we will begin to go without new clothes, electronics, newer and larger cars, appliances, and so forth. This will cause a huge decline in consumer spending. So? The American economy is 70% consumer spending! So when consumer spending declines, unemployment will increase at alarming rates. Houses will go unsold, cars will sit on the lot, and malls will be empty.

What will the government do to fix the problem? Print money, of course! In addition, there will likely be price controls so that consumers will be able to afford the loaf of bread. These price controls, however, will make production unfeasible, and bread will become unavailable.
The dollars you have are worth far less than just a few years ago. The stocks you have are likely worth far less than a few years ago. The house you have may even be worth less than a few years ago.

If the direction of our government is any indication, there is a coming economic collapse. Your financial net worth is at risk.

The Bible tells us these days are coming. I believe in a rapture of the church, but I see no guarantees that we are saved from hyperinflation to come, only from the wrath to come! Hyperinflation could begin anytime.

It is time to prepare. Stay tuned for the next post on wealth-protection strategies for hyperinflation.

In the mean-time, you will benefit from this three-part documentary on inflation.







Your comments are encouraged!

Helping the Jewish Remnant

Cyrus the Great of Persia recognized a Divine appointment upon his life to allow the Jewish remnant in Babylon to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple of God.  (See this post from my devotional blog for more information).  After understanding God's commission upon his life, he gave two instructions:  First, the instruction to the remnant was to return to rebuild the Temple, but only if “God’s Spirit had stirred” within them (v. 5).  Second, the gentile neighbors of those who return were to help pay the bills!  This is the heart of verse 4, “ "Every survivor, at whatever place he may live, let the men of that place support him with silver and gold, with goods and cattle, together with a freewill offering for the house of God which is in Jerusalem."   (Ezra 1:4 NASB)

In today’s world, God is calling the Jewish people home a second time (Isaiah 11:11).  By the tens of thousands the Jewish population is returning to Israel to live out their lives in the Promised Land.  So, should the Christian population join as the neighbors of these Jews and help pay the bills for their return?  I believe so!

I believe so for several reasons—

• When God worked through the gentile Cyrus, this was the plan of finance that He used.
• the God worked through the gentile Artexerxes and sent Nehemiah back to rebuilt the walls, this is the plan He used.
• God's word compares the second return to the first, thus allowing us to make the connection of the plan of God for the first to the second.
• The Apostle Paul returned to Jerusalem to "bring alms to my nation" (Acts 24:17).
• In Luke 7:1-5 Jesus healed a gentile's servant.  Those around Jesus used the argument that “he [the gentile] is worthy for you to grant this to him, for he loves our nation and has built us a synagogue.”  Jesus honored this by healing the servant.
• Corenelius, a gentile, was chosen to receive a special visitation from God.  The reason given is because his almsgiving to the Jewish people had risen as a memorial before God (Acts 10:1-4).

When Cyrus heard the heart of God that the Jewish people were to return, he not only took action himself, but he said, “let the men of that place support” those who return.  The “men of that place” were gentiles.  Now, in these days, God has called His people home a second time.  Those of us who are “the men of that place” should, a second time, financially support that return.

If you are interested in avenues of support, contact me!

For full Biblical information on the Antichrist, see my website www.antichristinfo.com