The following video has gone viral on the internet, with millions of viewers outraged.  With stealth and audacity, the UN climate treaty advocates are attempting to drain every last vestige of life from the American Constitution and every last penny from her citizens.  Beware the Copenhagen Treaty!  “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice:  but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.” -Proverbs 29:2.

Note:  Apparently, Monckton’s recent appearance on the Glenn Beck program has rallied true American voices.  “Copenhagen” may now have to wait until 2010.  Let us pray, and claim the promises of Scripture,“The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, [saying], Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.  He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh:  the Lord shall have them in derision.” -Psalm 2:2-4.

Almost immediately after Adam’s fall, Lucifer and his minions collaborated
with evil men to usurp God’s authority and sovereignty. And nowhere is God
more sovereign than in the heart and conscience of man. In the spirit world,
the First Commandment (”Thou shalt have no other gods before me”) is the
battleground that is most fought over. The war for man’s heart and soul is
never-ending.

Nimrod was the first would-be tyrant to try and bring the world into a
global “New World Order.” His handiwork produced the Tower of Babel, which
brought about a cataclysmic judgment from Jehovah. However, while Nimrod was
the first globalist to try and unify the nations against God, he was
certainly not the last. The Pharaohs, Darius, Artaxerxes, Cyrus, Alexander,
Nebuchadnezzar, the Caesars, and hundreds like them have all brought their
tyrannical rule over the hearts of men. And their ideas and passions are as
alive and active in the world today as ever.

With every would-be world tyrant, there is one constant: the unholy marriage
between a supranational government and Big Religion. If Jehovah God made
anything clear in the Mosaic model of government, it was the fact
that–until Christ Himself comes to occupy both offices–the offices of
Priest and King were to be eternally separate. At least one Old Testament
Jewish king learned that lesson the hard way.

Yet, Big Government and Big Religion have always come together for the
purpose of enslaving the masses. The devilish duo of Big Government and Big
Religion killed the Old Testament prophets. They hung Jesus on the cross and
persecuted the early Church. They murdered masses during the Dark Ages; they
managed the Holocaust; and their obnoxious offspring are still at work
today. This criminal cabal has been the bane of genuine faith and personal
liberty since the beginning of time.

When Colonial America fired that shot heard around the world and fought
their way to independence, they broke free, not only from the political
domination of the Crown, but also from the religious domination of a State
Church. No longer would citizens be required to join a particular church in
order to hold public office. No longer would citizens be required to
financially support churches and institutions they deemed to be offensive to
their spiritual convictions. No longer could a religious institution use the
power and force of civil government to subjugate men to its tenets and, yes,
tentacles. Indeed, the apostate kingdom created by Constantine’s spiritual
whoredom ended at the eastern shore of America!

And dare I say that I am proud of my Anabaptist forebears for helping to
embed the principle of religious liberty into American law and
jurisprudence? Indeed, I am! What many Americans do not know (and what many
militant secularists refuse to acknowledge) is that it was the influence of
the Colonial Baptists–most notably, the Baptist minister John Leland–that
was most responsible for the First Amendment being added to the US
Constitution.

Therefore, it is more than disturbing when I see evangelical Christians
being seduced by the ancient Big Government/Big Religion whorish union
today. How can any true Gospel preacher accept federal Faith-Based
Initiative monies, except that he has either lost all understanding of what
freedom truly means, or is willing to sacrifice the sacred principles of
liberty upon the altar of his own selfish interests? How can any true Gospel
preacher not realize that Big Religion has always conspired with tyrannical
governmental forces against the true Gospel message? Why are they so blind
to these devilish conspiracies? At the highest levels of virtually every
major religion, the conspiracy to hijack truth and enslave the masses is
constantly at work.

This is what the Apostle Paul warned about in Ephesians 6:12. “For we
wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against
powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual
wickedness in high places.”

Of course, the “rulers of the darkness of this world” are demonic. But it is
also an absolute certainty that these demonic forces accomplish their
devilish deeds through evil men who are given to “spiritual wickedness in
high places.”

Was not the spiritual netherworld complicit in helping to construct Nimrod’s
Tower of Babel? Was not spiritual wickedness at work when Pharaoh murdered
the little children of the Hebrews? Were not dark principalities at work
when Nebuchadnezzar ordered everyone to bow to the image of the Babylonian
leader? When the Lord Jesus called Jewish King Herod a “fox,” was not He
acknowledging Herod’s complicity with evil? Were not spiritual powers aiding
and abetting the Jewish Sanhedrin when they moved the crowd to crucify the
Son of God? When the early Church was being persecuted, was not spiritual
wickedness at work? When nonconforming Christians were thrown to the lions
and sawn asunder, were not their tormentors influenced by these same rulers
of darkness? Of course they were!

Then, why is it so difficult for modern Christians–especially our pastors
and preachers–to understand that this unholy union of Big Government and
Big Religion is as evil and sinful today as it ever was? Why are they
unwilling to recognize that the same devilish system that plagued the Church
throughout the ages–suspended only temporarily by the successful revolution
for American independence–is rearing its ugly head again? Why are they
unwilling to believe that many of America’s leaders (from both parties)
routinely give themselves to luciferian rituals, such as those annual dances
around the fire at the Bohemian Grove? Why is it so hard to believe that we
have leaders (from both parties) who have given themselves to dark, secret
societies, such as Skull and Bones? Why are they not suspicious when certain
religious schools and institutions repeatedly produce many of the leaders
(from both parties) who seem to universally take America down the same path
of globalism?

As most Christians should know, The Beast of Revelation is as much a SYSTEM
as it is a person. As the Apostle John warned, the “spirit of antichrist . .
. even now already is it in the world.” (I John 4:3) He also warned, “Even
now are there many antichrists.” (I John 2:18)

Any Big Government/Big Religion system that seeks to bring nations into
global unity, enshrine a politically correct theology of universalism,
establish Church/State uniformity, and marginalize independent,
nonconformist ideology is nothing more than the emergence of another Tower
of Babel or Beast-like system! And, dear Christian friend, has it occurred
to you that our central government in Washington, D.C., is currently engaged
in all of the above?

Both political parties–including most of our national leaders and news
media–actively promote globalism; universalism is, without a doubt, the
unofficial–but clearly understood–national religion; and anyone who holds
nonconformist views (i.e., pro-life, Jesus-only theology, anti-UN,
anti-illegal immigration, questioning official government explanations of
national tragedies, etc.) is being viciously ridiculed, impugned, and
marginalized by virtually everyone in the national press corps and central
government. Yes, I am saying it, THE BEAST IS EMERGING IN WASHINGTON, D.C.!

The powers that be in both Big Government and Big Religion want to control
both our hearts and our minds. They cannot tolerate dissent. Mind you: they
do not care if one is Republican or Democrat, because at the national level,
both major parties are marching in the same beastly direction. They do not
care if one is conservative or liberal, because the leaders of both camps
are, likewise, marching in lockstep to the tune being played by The Beast.
They do not care if one is Jewish, Catholic, or Protestant, because at the
highest levels, these religions are committing whoredom with The Beast.

If a pastor or preacher is going to be true to his calling today, he must be
willing to adopt the philosophy of the late, great Charles Haddon Spurgeon,
who said, “The more prominent you are in Christ’s service, the more certain
are you to be the butt of calumny [slander]. I have long ago said farewell
to my character. I lost it in the earlier days of my ministry by being a
little more zealous than suited a slumbering age. And I have never been able
to regain it except in the sight of Him who judges all the earth, and in the
hearts of those who love me for my work’s sake.”

Any desire for promotion, pleasure, riches, or fame will quickly make one a
servant of The Beast. And, I’m afraid, that is exactly what many of today’s
pastors and preachers have become.

The fight for independence was as much for the freedom of the heart and mind
as it was for the freedom of a State or nation. In fact, one cannot enslave
the latter until he first enslaves the former. And this is what is currently
at stake: the freedom of the heart and soul to be governed by God and no
other! And this battle will never be won–at least not nationally–as long
as Christians and pastors are unwilling to recognize the enemy for what it
is: “spiritual wickedness in high places.”

P.S. We will start printing THE FREEDOM DOCUMENTS next week. This printing
will absolutely be the last printing at the current price. We have not
raised the cost for FREEDOM DOCUMENTS since we started printing them many
years ago. Hence, if you want to get a copy of THE FREEDOM DOCUMENTS for
yourself or a friend before the price goes up, order now! Plus, if you order
now, you will be among the first to receive a copy of this special Christmas
printing. As you know, these printings sell out fast, so order now!

*If you appreciate this column and want to help me distribute these
editorial opinions to an ever-growing audience, donations may now be made by
credit card, check, or Money Order. Use this link:

http://chuckbaldwinlive.com/home/?page_id=19

C Chuck Baldwin

The Bible expressly states that the timing of “signs of the times” occurrences will ebb and flow like a woman in labor. (Isaiah 13:6-13)  The birth pangs grow closer together and increase in intensity until, all at once, the delivery begins.  In those moments, life is in the balance.  The pain is excruciating.  The anticipation is heightened.  The focus is without parallel.

All at once . . .it is time for the extreme atmosphere of both violence and joy, life and death.  The world has just had a pretty sharp birth pang.  Last Friday, an explosion of signs lit up around the globe and almost simultaneously. Here are just a few observances:

1.  President Obama and The Pope met to discuss Middle East Peace. (I Thess. 5:3)

2.  The G8 meeting in Italy concluded with Russian President Medvedev holding up a newly minted silver dollar, and introducing it as “the new global currency.” (Rev. 13:16-17)

3.  Former Vice President Al Gore pushed his global warming agenda by endorsing the Senate “cap and trade” bill that would tax humans for existence.  He said such taxation was necessary for “global governance”. (Dan. 3:1-7)

4.  Obama’s science czar, John Holdren, was outed as an Orwellian population control advocate when his 1977 government endorsed textbook “Ecoscience” was exposed as containing Nazi like “final solution” eugenic theory.  He stated that government powers would need to back forced abortions and sterilization in order to ensure population reduction. (Esther 3:8-15)

5.  European Union superman Javier Solana introduced the concept of a unilaterally mandated “Palestine” basically superseding Israel’s sovereignty and declaring the so called “two state solution” de facto law.  Such a global declaration would be backed by force if necessary. (I John 2:18)

Any one of these happenings would be worthy of headliners in the news, but because they happened simultaneously, and around the world, each item got only sound bite coverage.  Such important events were overshadowed by the death of pop music sensation, Michael Jackson, economic woe coverage, and news of a congress overwhelmed by bogus legislation.

All at once, sudden destruction will come upon this world.  All at once, Bible believing Christians will be delivered.  All at once, the world will enter a pre-deluvian age of human depravity and God sized judgement.  All at once, another birth pang has erupted.  A birth of immense tribulation is about to happen!  Now is the time for people to read their Bibles, to turn to God, to bend the knees of devotion to Jesus Christ as the forgiver of sins and giver of eternal life!  Today, all at once, you can have salvation. (Rom. 13:11)

“Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” II Cor. 6:2

Knowledge of Bible ‘in decline’

Knowledge of the Bible is declining among people in the UK, according to academics from Durham University.

The National Biblical Literacy Survey found that young people believe the Bible is old-fashioned and for people like EastEnders’ character Dot Cotton.

More than 900 people from faith and non-faith backgrounds were surveyed, with fewer than one in 20 able to name all of the Ten Commandments.

But the study showed many still turn to the Bible at times of emotional stress.

The researchers said their findings showed the Church and politicians could no longer make assumptions about people’s knowledge of the Bible, which in under 45s is in decline.

No assumptions

The study revealed that 62% of respondents did not know the parable of the Prodigal Son and 60% could not name anything about the story of the Good Samaritan.

One respondent said David and Goliath was the name of a ship, while another thought Daniel – who survived being thrown into the lions’ den – was the Lion King.

The study was funded by a consortium of national churches, charitable trusts and Bible agencies.

Younger interviewees told researchers that the Bible was “old-fashioned”, “irrelevant” and “for Dot Cottons” – in reference to the churchgoing character in the BBC One soap.

The Rev Brian Brown, a Methodist minister and visiting fellow in media and communication at St John’s College, Durham University, said: “The Church and political leaders should take serious note of the findings and recognize that we cannot make the assumptions we used to make about the Bible and its place in contemporary people’s lives and culture.”

But he added: “Many respondents said they still turn to the Bible for support and guidance at key moments.”

The declining rate of Bible literacy in the United Kingdom is at the heart of the transformation of a once thriving and vibrant society flush with national success and worldwide influence.  The once great British Empire led the world in scientific discovery, economic vitality, military ability, and humanitarian compassion.  Some might argue that these indicators were the reason for their success as a nation.  However, the Bible advocate understands that these national accomplishments are the result of a greater societal understanding.  Historically, where does the governmental philosophy reside which produces such national success?

As concerning the British Empire, historians have labeled the Victorian Era as “a long period of prosperity for the British people, as profits gained from the overseas British Empire, as well as from industrial improvements at home, allowed a large, educated middle class to develop.”( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victorian_era) Queen Victoria, for whom this era is named, publically identified the source of their prosperity when she said, “that book [the Bible] accounts for the supremacy of England.” [italics mine] Haley’s Bible Handbook The Bible advocate understands that national success is derived from a knowledge and literacy of the Bible and gives birth to the outward signs of national prosperity.

Today England is a whited sepulcher of its former self.  Churches are closing, being replaced with mosques.  Biblical thought has been replaced with secular humanism.  This transformation has caused this once superpower to be replaced by another nation whose roots are founded in Biblical thought: America.  Will Americans today recognize that the not so secret reason for our success has been an appreciation for this God Book.  Even by theological terms, the most liberal of our founding fathers Benjamin Franklin acknowledged,

“God governs in the affairs of man. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid? We have been assured in the Sacred Writings that except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it. I firmly believe this. I also believe that, without His concurring aid, we shall succeed in this political building no better than the builders of Babel”–Constitutional Convention of 1787 | original manuscript of this speech

America is destined to the current fate of England if our people lose a knowledge and basic understanding of the Bible.  A return to the book is the only sure prescription to our current national woes, hence it is our duty to read it for ourselves, our families, and our nation.

Recently, the media was a buzz with environmental topics surrounding the celebration of Earth Day.  However, this year more than previous years, the capitalists of our day “capitalized” on the event.  Local grocery stores began selling reusable shopping bags.  Manufacturers began promoting products made from recycled materials.  Capitalism was going green.  To the Environmentalist this must be “anathema” that someone might profit from the earth.  Environmentalists would have us to believe man has enslaved the planet to whom reparations are now owed.  It has been said that capitalism works every time.  In a free society capitalism will even thrive in an environment where it is considered the enemy.

Capitalism is often defined as pure greed, which it can often devolve into.  The Environmentalist then blames corporate greed as the cause of the planets hypothetical problems.  However, is the ethical capitalist, who is guided by Biblical principles an enemy of the planet?  In reality, the Bible advocate is the best steward of the earth.

Preservation of Renewable Resources

The ethical capitalist understands that his future profit is dependant on the preservation of resources to continue to produce goods.  History tells the story of many capitalists who over extended a resource, the fishery that was over fished, or land which was over farmed.  As greed overpowered the prudence of stewardship, resources were depleted and ultimately a successful business failed.  The principles of capitalism worked.  In contrast, the ethical capitalist manages the resource motivated by continual annual profits thereby making him the best steward of the land, because his life depends on it.

Conversely, the Environmentalist insists that the Earth never be touched by man.  He believes that the planet is the best steward of itself.  This summer the news will again be filled with reports of out of control wildfires.  It is not by accident that California will be plagued by many of these fires.  The Environmentalist agenda of “not to touch” the Earth has predominated the politics and policies of California.  The unmanaged land has now become thick with undergrowth which makes the land ripe to destructive fires.  The best manager of the Earths renewable resources is the man whose livelihood and existence depends upon it.

Ingenuity of Replacing Finite Resources

The ethical capitalist understands that certain resources have a limited supply, although not as limited as we are led to believe.  This understanding causes the ethical capitalist to become ingenious in his use of finite resources.  He is driven to preserve profit.   Therefore, he develops technology that allows him to become more efficient, using less of the resource to produce the same amount of product.  By doing this he saves cost by using fewer raw materials and preserves the resource by extending its longevity.  The ethical capitalist also spends resources to discover new technology that will allow him to produce the same product from a different and hopefully cheaper, renewable resource thereby ensuring his continual profits.  History has shown that capitalism rooted in Biblical principles will produce the most energy efficient, resource saving business models.

The Environmentalist takes a different approach.  He encourages government intervention to manage finite resources.  This comes in the form of excessive taxation of the resource or even denial of access to the resource.  A nation is divinely blessed with natural resources (see Design & Destiny of Nations: Location), but the Environmentalist will deny their use by establishing “not to touch” federal wilderness areas.  Fear of potential oil spills has prevented the utilization of natural oil reserves.  This management is not led by profit or efficiency but by an improper worshipful view of the planet.  To never cut down a tree or kill an animal is to forfeit a God given responsibility to utilize and manage resources.  The Environmentalist has elevated the creation above the creator and demoted man to the bottom of the hierarchy of creation.

A Biblical Model: Work, Subdue, and Dominion

Genesis 1:26-28, “ And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth…. and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.”

The Genesis garden describes principles of ethical capitalism which promotes a healthy environment.  The first principle is the idea of Work or labor.  Work existed before the Fall and was part of the expectations for Adam living in the Garden.  The ethical capitalist understands that profit comes from labor whether physical or intellectual. 

The second principle is the idea to Subdue or control.  Adam was to inject his will upon the environment.  The tending of a garden requires the gardener to project his vision upon the physical environment.  The ethical capitalist understands in order to maximize profits he must shape the land.

The third principle is the idea to have Dominion or manage.  Adam’s work in the garden would never be complete.  Through observation and experience Adam would continue to manage resources to ensure continued profits.  This became of even greater importance following the Fall as the possibility of extinction and introduction of pestilence were added to the equation.  The ethical capitalist understands to ensure continued profits he must manage the resource.
             So long as the ethical capitalist is free to exert control over his property both intellectual and physical he will thrive.  The Bible advocate understands that he has the proper perspective on the planet’s resources and is best suited to influence our national environmental policy.

“So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army.”  Ezekiel 37:10 

The promises God made regarding a miraculous rebirth of Israel as a nation also have specific and implied promises of an equally amazing army.  An army with muscle.  An army on the move.  An army with a divine mandate.  The modern Israeli Defense Force or IDF is an impressive military force by any standards, winning every conventional battle since its inception.  Ezekiel’s army has risen.

The IDF is a comprehensive organization.  It costs 10% of total national GDP not including American funding.  It is the only military in the world that has obligatory service for both men and women.  It has minimal separation of services, meaning it includes and integrates army, navy and aviation units.  In national emergency it takes precedent over every other branch of government, and Israel is almost always in a state of emergency.

Most of Israel’s past political leaders have had major roles in the IDF.  Dayan, Begin, Rabin, Sharon and Barak were all military men.  The nation’s civilian technical prowess comes from the training of scientists, engineers, software and robotic technicians in the service of military needs.  Though small in numbers, the IDF retains technological superiority of the air, sea, land and space in order to maximize the use of force when necessary. 

Because the land mass of Israel is so small and vulnerable it’s military and political doctrine combine to justify the concept of a “pre-emptive strike”.   It’s alliances with America also give it an ‘aura’ of teeth that can bite with immunity.  In case of a catastrophic attack, the well known ‘Samson Doctrine’  would ensure a nuclear or equally devastating response, bringing the house down upon Israel’s enemies.

Army Profile:

40,000 professional officers

125,000 full time soldiers

600,000 part time reservists

4000 “Merkava” (Chariot) Main Battle Tanks

11,000 Armored Vehicles

Navy Profile:

14,000 full time sailors

300 full time commandos

3 “Tekumah” (Revival) submarines

3 Missile Corvettes

50 patrol & attack boats

2 amphibious landers

Air Force Profile:

25,000 full time airmen

35,000 part time reservists

100 F15i “Ra’am” (Thunder) Fighter aircraft

320 F16 Fighter/bomber aircraft

120 attack helicopters

Technology Profile:

Ofek-6 Surveillance/communication Satellite

1500 “Mossad” (the Institution) Intelligence agents

200 Nuclear warheads

Jericho 2 missile (2500 mile range)

First missile stopping Laser weapon

War Fighting Profile:

1948-49           War of Independence

1956                 Sinai War

1967                Six Day War

1973                Yom Kippur War

1978                 First Lebanese Incursion

1981                Iraq nuclear reactor strike

1982-2000        South Lebanon Occupation

1987-93           Palestinian uprising

1991                 Iraq Scud attacks

2000-05           Al-Aqsa uprising

2006                Second Lebanese Incursion

While Israel has not officially acknowledged it’s possession of nuclear weapons, it is generally held that they do possess these weapons.  It is to be understood therefore, that an Iranian nuclear strike against Israel would initiate the very first nuclear retaliation or exchange.  Such a truly “nuclear war” is unimaginable for the IDF prompting a pre-emptive strategy.  Although the U.S. has not given a green light for such action, the IDF has shown it is ready to go it alone if necessary.  However, the ultimate hope for Israel’s defense cannot be in the IDF, but in the builder of Ezekiel’s army.

“And shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land:  then shall ye know that I the LORD have spoken it, and performed it, saith the LORD.”  -Ezekiel 37:14

*for further information go online to BibleNation.org to read “Wielding the Nuclear Sword” from the October 2007 edition of the magazine.

Today at least nine nations have a nuclear weapon in their arsenals.  Only one, however, has used this weapon in warfare:  the United States of America.

The debate remains as to whether bombing the two Japanese cities of Nagasaki and Hiroshima was moral or right.  The fact that it hastened the end of the war, and probably saved both American and Japanese lives seems clear, but it also clearly opened a Pandora’s box of potential conflict and political conundrum.  Should nations have nuclear weapons?  Is it ever right to use them, and when?  Are there rules to such issues, and who should decide them?  National and International protocols have been debated and issued.  The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has been established by the United Nations as a permanent governing, inspection, reporting, and enforcement arm, but is it effective enough?   The better question may be is it effective at all? There is another voice of authoritative counsel in this issue that should be considered.  The Bible speaks to the twenty-first century issue of wielding the nuclear sword. “…and with good advice, make war.” (Proverbs 20:18)

Striving for National Might

Military prowess or martial greatness should not be the primary concern of nations, though it is an important factor.  Ancient King David was an able warrior with mighty men of war, who both defended and conquered territory effectively. However, his primary designs were moral and spiritual.  When he succeeded at spiritual endeavors, national might was increased.  When he failed at moral duty, his country’s war fighting decisions were abysmal.  “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.”(Psalms 20:7)  Scripture teaches that how a nation wields the name and Spirit of God is a far better indicator of national might than nuclear power and cataclysmic weaponry.  Striving for national might is not a sin, unless the God of the Bible is left out of the equation. (I Samuel 17:45, Hebrews 4:12)

God’s Aid in Warfare

As previously mentioned, King David had a certain proficiency in battle.  He declared that it was a by-product of knowing God. “Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight.”(Psalms 144:1)  The Lord Himself revealed important intelligence and maneuvers to David’s army with staggering results.  These same results were inflicted upon David’s people when he did not comply with the decrees given him.  Throughout the Bible, wars are both ordered and initiated by God.  He aids in the actual warfare through the use of both conventional and supernatural means.  The fact that one nation has a nuclear weapon while another does not, or that some nations keep weaponry out of another’s hand, is part of this divine aid. (Zechariah 4:6)

Balance of Power is a Divine Issue

It is evident in history as well as in Scripture that the Almighty has allowed certain ‘less than desirable’ empires to rise to power, in some cases even clearly facilitating the rise.  This is done in order to bring humility and justice to other nations, to direct the choices of certain national leaders, and further the working of His own plan for the ages.  Individual lives affected are certainly not without His consideration; rather they are the core of His design and reason.  The Mesopotamians, Persians, and Romans of old became great in order to fulfill not just their will but God’s own.  (They all eventually paid for their follies, and were not greater than their national sins as well.)  That America is a nuclear superpower, standing alone in her national capabilities, is according to the measure of her adherence to the Bible and allegiance to its truths.  We may just as easily fall from our height if we wield the nuclear sword with pride and untamed passion.  But the fact that we wield it with restraint, have only used it with reserve, and continue to desire a sheathed presence only is a testament to national greatness and Heaven’s ordered goodness. “This is nothing else save the sword of Gideon the son of Joash, a man of Israel:  for into his hand hath God delivered Midian, and all the host.” (Judges 7:14)  If the balance of power changes, the fault will be our own.  God can use other nations to execute power. (Psalms 149:6-9, Romans 13:1-7)

God-fearing nations whose foundations are in Bible truths are, in fact, the best countries to have the power of nuclear weapons.  The United States can and should have them as a deterrent, and if necessary as a useful weapon in warfare.  We should recognize this penchant for technological nuclear superiority and the ability to deliver its power to our enemies efficiently as a moral force to be used for good, not selfish gain or personal vendetta.  We may also strive to govern its use elsewhere, endeavoring to keep such a sword out of the hands of rogues and despots.  Nuclear power, like the power of gravity, is not something we are masters of, only manipulators of.  Like a sword in the hand of a soldier, we must wield the nuclear one with ability, restraint, and responsibility lest we hurt our-selves, but when called upon to execute force do so with the assurance of being right.  “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.” (Psalms 33:12-22)

The country of Iran is referred to throughout the pages of Scripture, not as Iran, but as Elam, Media, and Persia.  It has been inhabited since near Creation with scientists dating the habitation of the land to 4000 BC.  The first mention in Scripture of this country is by way of its apparent post-flood pioneer, Elam the son of Shem.  That’s right, Elam was Noah’s grandson. (Genesis 10:22)  It would seem apparent to the population of modern Iran that they are an ancient progeny with God-fearing roots:  the Elamites.  Indeed, Iranian museums, textbooks, and universities, all recognize this fact, yet today, ninety-nine percent of the people practice a dedicated form of Islam and call themselves Shiites.  Shiites are followers of the Koran, not the Bible, and are becoming increasingly hostile to Christians and Jews.  It is this national and religious hostility concerning the encroachment of ‘western’ ideology and power that has put this ancient land back in the headlines.

The current rumblings for regional dominance coming out of the broader Middle East are by no means a new phenomenon.  In Genesis, an Elamite king by the name of Chederlaomer, led a group of Mesopotamian rulers in a military campaign to exact tribute and dominate the region of what is now modern-day Israel.  The Biblical patriarch Abraham was forced into the conflict because his nephew, Lot, was being taken captive by the invaders.  Abraham defeated the multinational force with three hundred of his own men, but insisted the victory was not due to military prowess, but came by the hand of God Himself.  The Canaanite kings were grateful, but Abraham was not impressed by these men anymore than the ones he had just defeated.  They were the kings of the soon to be destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.

Babylon (near modern-day Baghdad, Iraq) was in the geographic center of many powerful kingdoms, and eventually dominated the Elamites of the south and the Assyrians of the north.  The prophet Daniel was no doubt privy to the political intrigues of the day and ended up in the Elamite city of Susa, serving the Persian Emperor Cyrus, and his Median lord, Darius.  It was in Susa that Daniel had his great vision of Jesus, similar to John’s in Revelation.  The angel Gabriel delivered a message from God to Daniel here that encouraged him about Israel’s future restoration, and Persia’s eventual decline.  From here on out, Elam is highlighted by its greater context as the Persian Empire.  Daniel had envisioned this empire in a dream, as the representation of the arms and chest of silver.  This Empire surged from India to Ethiopia, and moved its capital from Susa to Persepolis.  These ruins today lie near the modern-day city of Shiraz, southeast of the province of Llam (from the name Elam).

Of course, the pages of Scripture are filled with the accounts of Persian rulers allowing, and even paying for, the return to Israel of the long-captive Jews.  Sheshbazaar, Zerrubabel, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, and Mordecai, all served close to the seat of power and were players in the gradual restoration of legal rights, return of temple treasures, and rebuilding of Jerusalem’s temple and walls.  Iran is the background to all of these historical narratives concerning the repatriation of Jewish exiles from the Assyrian and Babylonian captivity.  These political intrigues were no doubt an attempt to form a strong alliance with previously enslaved peoples in order to create a geographic buffer against the rising ‘western’ storm of Greek people and power infringing upon its empire.  A similar encroachment is felt by Iran’s Imams and Ayatollahs today, but they are not using a goodwill campaign to combat it this time.  They instead are using a campaign of regional guerilla warfare and global terror justified upon Shia law.

After failed western campaigns, the Persians then found themselves battling the young conqueror Alexander, who made quick work of their armies and burned the city of Persepolis as a statement to the nations of his new world order.  After his death the Greeks divided the vast lands and in the order of time were reconquered or simply assimilated by the Romans.  The Romans in turn had to divide their empire until the Byzantine Christian monarchs eventually had influence in the region.  The Muslim movement rejected the old Roman order and Byzantine rule, filling the void of the region’s hunger for purpose and self identity, eventually becoming the dominating force in Iran.  It has been struggling to be even a third-rate power for 2,400 years, but now finds itself with the best opportunity for global advancement since the world was ruled from its cities.

Perhaps the best insight into how Bible-believers should respond to the current saber-rattling and potential nuclear showdown facing America is found in the New Testament book of Acts.  In Chapter two we find God-fearing men and converts from all points of the compass including “Elam”.  It is incredible to think that the modern, mostly Bible-rejecting people of Iran, had representation at the greatest Spirit-inspired evangelism crusade ever to be witnessed.  These Elamites heard Galileans speak, with perfect diction, the message of Christ in their native tongue!  Bible truths were heard by Iranians!  It was God’s will!  And so should it be today.  There is a small but growing group of Iranian Christians who daily read the Bible in the Persian tongue, and who boldly, but carefully, distribute it to their countrymen.

The fact that American troops virtually surround Iran to-day has the current president Ahmadinejad and the military establishment there up in arms.  They are pursuing nuclear power, backing terrorist organizations, purchasing advanced weapons at an alarming rate, and allying with a newly robust Russia.  These facts also can be seen prophetically on the pages of scripture.  Ezekiel prophesies in chapter 38-39 about the war of Gog and Magog (Russia) who align with Persia (Iran) against Israel, but are annihilated by God Himself.  America seems to be absent in this scenario.  Could that mean we are passive, subjugated, or neutral during this time?  Do we lose power or are we crippled by weapons of mass destruction?  It is an interesting question that has Bible enthusiasts focused squarely on Iran in the news.

Who would have thought that the United States, Israel’s greatest national ally would become aligned with her enemies?

The rapid deterioration of relations between the two friends is the result of several parameters: 

First, is the United States governments’ wholesale acceptance of a two state solution to the Palestinian quandary.  In 2007, the Annapolis Plan set forth by the Bush administration, and supported by the global “quartet” of Russia, the European Union, and the United Nations, made into policy what previous generations would have thought impossible – A Palestinian State with East Jerusalem as its capitol.

With such a preponderance of pressure, Israel’s Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Foreign Minister Tipni Livni, were sucked into the vortex of giving away land for peace.

In fact, in 2008 Olmert and Livni offered the Palestinian Leader Mahmoud Abbas the entire West Bank, along with the already surrendered Gaza Strip. 

The Israeli’s then sweetened the deal by also including East Jerusalem, a “tunnel” or land bridge connecting the two pieces of land, plus swaths of the Negev desert to compensate for Israeli settelements.  This would have created an independent Palestine side by side with an independent Israel, but was refused by Palestinian leaders.

Of course, the continuation of invading rocket fire into Israel led to the military incursion of early 2009 and the seeming death of the Annapolis Plan.  The U.S. also paid a dear price for such heavy handed peace mongering. 

Natural disasters, financial collapse, political dissatisfaction and military weakening will always be the results of such a poor friendship with Israel.  While Americans chose to shift to the political left, Israelis chose the hard right factions to lead them.

Secondly, the new Obama administration, with Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State, has gone even farther in joining the rest of the world in pressuring Israel with the Annapolis plan.  New Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman has declared that the Plan “has no validity”, igniting a firestorm from world opinion and from former FM Livni, who retorted that his statement, “wiped out in 20 seconds” years of efforts to advance the peace process.

A State Department spokesperson added, “We are going to work hard to see what we can do to move the process forward.”  The New York Times call Lieberman “blunt and belligerent”; CNN touts that the Israeli’s position will “spurn the peace process.”  With such harsh rhetoric being offered up, it seems as though Israel is being isolated from America more and more each passing day.

Lastly, with our administration sitting down to talk “warmly” with the Iranians and the Pentagon reversing its doctrine and dealing with the leading state sponsor of terrorism, we send a clear message to our former ally in the Middle East, “It behooves us to let you stand alone.”  Our real consolation is in knowing that Israel is the “apple” of God’s eye, and will never truly stand alone. (Psalm 17)

The Biblical world view naturally held by America’s founders, and so successfully ingrained in the national psyche in succeeding generations, is a national phenomenon unparalleled in history.  Such a pervasive viewpoint fueled America’s decision making and action taking for centuries.  It is the not-so-secret reason behind the United States meteoric  rise to superpower status, economically and militarily.  It is also the rationale that put the U.S. in support of Israel’s right to exist as an independent nation state.  Does not the Scripture endorse Israel as a nation, and one beloved of God at that?  Do we not see ourselves the same way?  Surely we are akin to such an idea of ordained nationhood?  For sixty years America has backed this point of view with diplomacy, foreign aid, military alliance, and sometimes . . . a blind eye.  The relationship between the two nations has been give and take, but also one of frustration and disappointment.  With both nations preparing to be led by new and differing governments, with manifold forces intent on severing the bond at any cost, with a nuclear Iran on the immediate horizon, how are we to behave now toward our tempermental ally?  The character of Israel and America is being put to the test.  An understanding of one another is vital now more than ever.

Israel Wrestles With God

The Biblical promises made to Abraham, and renewed through Isaac, began to materialize through the patriarch Jacob.  In fact, it was he who was called “Israel” by the Almighty.  His unique personality and situation are a key to understanding the nation and mindset of Israel today.  With a name meaning ’supplanter’ or ‘trickster’,  Jacob has set the pace for what others think of him.  He tricked his father, ’stole’ his brother’s birthright, exploited his position and contract with his father in law, then encountered some of the same traits among his twelve sons.  It is this same “Israel”  who, when encountering the Angel of the LORD, wrestled with him, and would not let him go.  Perhaps Jacob’s sense of promise, passed on no doubt from grandfather and father, made him justify what we deem a flaw in his character.  Who was he to be so familiar with God?  What made him think that he should win at any price? Why was he compelled to succeed at his own friends and families expense?  The same questions that perplexed Jacob about his own identity,  perplex the modern day Israel still.  And yet, they wrestle with God.  They continually fall short of yielding to the will of God, but then again, so does the United States.  Can we accept that?  Do we understand that?  Can America be faithful in a high stakes marriage with Israel that is like a partnership between the Kings daughter and the Kings friend?  Both have much to gain and much to lose.  Both have a character they believe to be chosen, destined, and promised, yet are intertwined with God in a wrestling match that they cannot win, but dare not give up on.

Israel Wants Divine Blessing

Everyone wants to have a sense of spiritual or universal mandate.  Even imperialists and secularists talk of higher consciousness.  The Muslim Mullahs feel compelled to conquest, and the Catholic Cardinals claim a destiny to rule.  Israel, like Jacob, wants desperately to get “its’” blessing from God.  After all, they are children of promise.  The Biblical framework has Jacob (”Israel”) preparing to meet Esau, whom he had previously defrauded, and from whom he now fears annihilation.  While prayerfully waiting for this meeting, the LORD shows up and engages Jacob in hand to hand combat.  Of course, such a meeting is always a one sided affair unless God’s intention is not to destroy, but to direct.  When Jacob realizes who he is face to face with, his defensive posture turns into an all out press to grab hold of God and not let Him go.  The LORD finally ends the confrontation with Jacob getting an answer to his prayer, although not in words, but in a real sense of assurance, and a successful meeting with Esau.  Today, Israel is in real and surreal ways, reaching for Divine fulfillment of it’s national potential.  Can anyone blame them?  America has a similar sense of needing God’s hand.  In fact, the very reason Americans support Israel is to capture God’s favor and blessing for doing so.  Israel sometimes takes advantage of this reality.  Let us hope there is a reciprocal understanding of each others motives and intentions.  Jacob’s character was enhanced by striving after Divine blessing.

Israel Walks with a Limp

As a permanent reminder of the special meeting with God, Jacob was “touched” in his thigh and so walked with a limp throughout his days.  Israel continues to be hobbled by their special relationship to God, and their place of favour in the Bible.  It is meant to direct them and keep them reliant upon the Almighty as opposed to political allies, military prowess or Mossad intrigue.  At times, the limp seems to make them an easy target, or a weak competitor, but make no mistake, that same limp is a mark of survival from a meaningful scuffle with the LORD himself.  If Israel walks different from us it is because it has to walk at it’s own pace, and often by itself.  A golden ally will be cognizant of these integral character traits, and strive to be a friend at all times.  Israel, likewise, should be patient, explanatory, and appreciative of The United States role and desire to be a partner in equitable national efforts to please the LORD.