The UN has no business in Israel. If I were Olmert, I would't let him in. Israel has a right to defend itself from anyone. 19 civilians. OK. It would be nice to know what affiliation those civilians had. If they even sympathized with the terrorists, then there's no problem. War is ugly. There are civilian casualties. It's almost impossible to prosecute the type of war on terror that Israel does and not kill a few innocents (if there even are any).

blackeyedpeas,

Agreed. I have not read the Left Behind series and will not because it IS fiction. As you said, it's God's reality that man will be dealt, not some Holloywood fantasy.

My church teaches differing ideas on Revelation than most XXXXX XXXXXXXXX or XXXXXXXXXXXXXXl churches do. In the end, we'll find out the truth. What I think is most important is to hold fast in faith to what Christ Jesus taught us, partake in the Word and XXXXXXXXX, and we'll be fine in the end.

I refuse to watch JAG because what's her name is a Scientologist. I cannot watch the show without thinking of it. I also refuse to see any movie with any actor that is. I'm not giving my money to that...

I like Stargate, Man vs Wild, Made in America w/ John Ratzenberger, How It's Made, Monk (favorite), and several others. I like to research some of the actors in a general way to see what they believe. Quite a few are athiests and agnostics. Stargate, surprisingly, has characters after a mission saying things like "Thank God".

The "religion" often spoke of on Battlestar Galatica is loosely based on mormonism. Mormons believe their false god lives on a planet called kolob, whereas on BG, they mention, as the mormons believe, pluralistic gods called "the lords of kobol". kobol is an anagram for kolob. This is no accidident and it can be researched online.

I forget where I found the following notes, but it was a couple of years ago. It's been tucked away in my own notes, and I think it is pertinent here:

Contrary to clear Bible teaching, most modern churches have forsaken the responsibility of the everyday education of children in the ways of the Lord. All too frequently, they have handed that responsibility over to the humanistic, God-denying, Christ-defying government-controlled public schools which teach that the state is god. Incredible? Yes, but true! In their disobedience, they have lost the battle for the minds of their children by default.
 
Government schools have only one purpose. That purpose is to indoctrinate their unwitting, unsuspecting charges in the anti-Christian tenets of the humanist religion, the concept that there is no such thing as right and wrong, that there are no absolutes and that man, alone, is responsible for developing his own belief systems. They also teach that collective man, in the form of the state, is god, and the sole arbiter of what is acceptable in society, and that the state god will take care of their every need from the cradle to the grave. Why, then, do so many apparently sane, logical churchgoers so willingly grant permission to the state to marinate their children's minds in a cesspool of Babylonian iniquity and then expect them to emerge at age 18 smelling like roses?

In contemporary culture, homosexuality is gaining ground and acceptance. This should never bleed over into the Christian church. The fact that homosexuality is even in question in some denominations is a definite sign of apostasy since homosexuality clearly contradicts the plain teaching of scripture that homosexuality is a sin: "Or do you not know that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, shall inherit the kingdom of God." --1 Corinthians 6:9-10
Unfortunately, too many denominations are listening to the false gospel of the world and becoming secularized. They need to repent and stand on God's word, whether it is popular or not.
 
The homosexual lobby is not satisfied with tolerance. They want acceptance and endorsement.

Solo study should be encouraged at all costs, and I like to do so, but I prefer to study with others for a couple of reasons: Together, people can become stronger in the faith (when two or more are gathered...), elders can point out possible misunderstandings by novice Christians, several people benefit at one time from the study, and consequently, people can go home with ammunition and encouragement to study a pre-set, structured lesson. All too often, Christians meander through the Bible without having concepts or context.
Approaching the Bible in a regulated way helps tremedously. Our church offers a course that is almost a year long that walks people through from G to R. You come out with a full, contextual understanding of not only the Law, but the Gospel. For years I never really understood the difference between the Law and Gospel, and I think understanding this is paramount to understanding God's will and mission for us on earth.

The following is a list of the canonical books and a short synopsis of each.

1.  OLD TESTAMENT

A.  PENTATEUCH (5)

GENESIS -- First book of Moses -- History of Man from the beginning

EXODUS -- Second book of Moses -- Deliverance of Israel from captivity

LEVITICUS -- Third book of Moses -- Book of the law

NUMBERS -- Fourth book of Moses -- Story of wandering in the wilderness

DEUTERONOMY -- Fifth book of Moses -- 2nd recital of law before promise land

B.  HISTORICAL BOOKS (12)

JOSHUA -- Took over as judge of Israel after Moses

JUDGES -- 6 Judges, men and women, who lead the children of Israel until they asked God for a king

RUTH -- In the family line to Jesus

I & II SAMUEL -- 1st and 2nd book of the Kings (Anoints the first two Kings of Israel)

I & II KINGS -- 3rd and 4th Book of the Kings, History of the Kingdom of Israel (Elijah and Elisha appear)

I & II CHRONICLES -- Record of David, Solomon, and the kings of Judah after the division of Israel up to the time of captivity

EZRA -- Record of the return of the Jews from captivity, and the rebuilding of the temple

NEHEMIAH -- Account of the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem, and the re-establishment of the sacred ordinances

ESTER -- Story of Queen Esther's deliverance of the Jews from the plot of Haman

C.  POETICAL (5)

JOB -- The story of how one man overcome affliction despite the attack led by Satan against him

PSALMS -- Collection of 150 spiritual songs, poems, and prayers used through the centuries by the church in its devotion

PROVERBS -- (Author: King Solomon) Collection of moral and religious guidance and a discussion on wisdom

ECCLESIASTICS [or the Preacher] (Author: Solomon) A reflection on the vanity of life by Solomon

SONG OF SOLOMON -- (Author: Solomon) A religious poem symbolizing the mutual love of Christ and the church

D. PROPHETICAL BOOKS.  MAJOR PROPHETS (5)

ISAIAH -- (Prophet of Redemption) -- Announces woes on sinful nation

JEREMIAH -- (Weeping Prophet) -- THEME: Backsliding, bondage, restoration of Jews, Lived from time of Josiah to the Captivity

LAMENTATION OF JEREMIAH - Series of wailing for the affliction of Israel

EZEKIEL -- A book showing the sad condition of God's people and the pathway to restoration

DANIEL -- Personal biography of Daniel, lived during captivity, also a vision of the end times

E. MINOR PROPHETS (12)

HOSEA -- Lived with Isaiah and Micah -- Shows the spiritual adultery of Israel

JOEL -- Prophet to Judah -- National repentance and it's blessing

AMOS -- The herdsman prophet, a reformer denouncing selfishness and sin

OBADIAH -- The doom of Edom and final deliverance of Israel

JONAH -- "Reluctant Missionary", went to Ninevh, shows the blessing of obedience

MICAH -- Shows a dark picture of the moral condition of Israel and Judah

NAHUM -- The destruction of Ninevh

HABAKKUK -- THEME: How can a just God allow a wicked nation to oppress Israel

ZEPHANIAH -- A somber book filled with threatening, but ends in a vision of the future glory of Israel

HAGGAI -- A colleague of Zechariah.  Reproves the people for slackness in building the second temple, promises return of God's glory upon completion

ZECHARIAH -- Contemporary of Zechariah. Helps arouse the Jews to rebuild the temple

MALACHI -- Gives a graphic picture of the closing period of Old Testament History.  Shows necessity of reforms before the coming Messiah

2.  NEW TESTAMENT

A.  GOSPELS & BIOGRAPHICAL (4)

ST MATTHEW -- Apostle writer -- Purple, Jesus, King of Kings --Tax Collector -- Written to Jews showing the kingly Messiah of Jewish Prophecy (Looks at money in areas)

ST MARK -- Apostle writer -- Scarlet, Servant -- Brief record of Jesus' Life (Emphasis on the supernatural power of Christ over nature, disease, and demons

ST LUKE -- Apostle writer -- White, Son of Man -- Beloved Physician -- the most complete biography of Jesus -- portrays Christ as the Son of Man, compassion on the poor, sinful

ST JOHN -- Apostle writer -- Blue, Heavenly -- Beloved Apostle -- writes about Love, unveils Jesus Christ as the Son of God -- reveal his deeper teachings

B.  HISTORICAL (1)

ACTS OF THE APOSTLES (Author: St Luke) -- A sequel to the Gospel of Luke -- THEME: the origin and growth of the early church, from the ascension of Christ to the imprisonment of Paul at Rome

C. THE PAULINE EPISTLES (14)

ROMANS (EPISTLE OF PAUL) Addressed to the Roman Christians -- shows a need for salvation and spiritual, social and civic duties

I CORINTHIANS (EPISTLE OF PAUL) Addressed to the Corinthian  church -- Cleansing of the Church from various evils and doctrinal instruction

II CORINTHIANS (EPISTLE OF PAUL) -- Corinthian Church -- characteristics of an apostolic ministry and shows Paul's apostleship

GALATIANS (EPISTLE OF PAUL) - Addressed to the Galatian Church -- Doctrine of Justification by Faith, warnings against false teachers and the return to Judaism

EPHESIANS (EPISTLE OF PAUL) -- Addressed to the Church at Ephesus -- Glorious plan of Salvation, All barriers between Jews and Gentiles are broken down

PHILIPPIANS (EPISTLE OF PAUL) -- Addressed to the Philippian Church -- reveals Paul's intense devotion to Christ, steadfast doctrine, and joy in prison

COLOSSIANS (EPISTLE OF PAUL) -- Addressed to the Colosse Church - Glory of Christ as the head of the Church -- Abandon worldly philosophy and sin

I THESSALONIANS (EPISTLE OF PAUL) -- Addressed to Thessalonica Church -- apostolic commendation, reminiscences, counsels.  Future coming of Christ

II THESSALONIANS (EPISTLE OF PAUL) -- Enlightens church concerning the doctrine of Christ's second coming and warning against unrest and social disorders

I TIMOTHY (EPISTLE OF PAUL) -- Counsels to a young pastor (conduct and work)

II TIMOTHY (EPISTLE OF PAUL) -- Written shortly before Paul's death, giving instruction

TITUS (EPISTLE OF PAUL) -- An apostolic letter giving counsels and exhortations to a trusted friend

PHILEMON (EPISTLE OF PAUL) -- A private letter written to Philemon, beseeching hi to receive and forgive Onesimus, a runaway slave

HEBREWS (EPISTLE OF PAUL) -- Blessing of the new dispensation, compared with those of the Old Testament -- Shows Christ's glory

D.  GENERAL EPISTLES (6)

JAMES -- Apostle -- the Lord's brother -- Addressed to Jewish converts, Practical religion by good works contrasted by Faith

I PETER -- Apostle -- Letter of encouragement to saints scattered throughout Asia Minor -- privilege of believers following the example of Christ

II PETER  -- Apostle -- Warning against false teachers and scoffers

I JOHN  -- Apostle -- Deep spiritual message to believers in the church, stress upon believer's privilege of spiritual knowledge and duty of love

II JOHN -- Apostle -- Message on worldly error, warning against false teachers

III JOHN -- Apostle -- Letter of commendation written to Gaius

JUDE  -- (Author: the brother of James) -- Historical examples of apostasy and divine judgement on sinners, warning against immoral teachers

E. PROPHETICAL (1)

REVELATIONS -- Apostle -- Author: John -- Visions concerning the end of time, the battle between Jesus and Satan, Jesus' victory, and Heaven

Yes there will be those that will stand up to this as you said fighting it in the manner you said. This sort of chaos will weaken the infrastructure of this nation. It will pit brother against brother ......

I would rather live in a horrible Red Dawn situation that be dictated to by muslims. The sort of chaos I spoke of will likely never happen. It could, and may, but not on any mass scale.

Brother here is the operative word. Let's say America became uninhabitable because of the apathy? What are Christians to do? Where do we go? Who do we turn to here on earth to help us? I think that if something horrible on a grand worldwie scale were to happen, I think God would continue to bless pockets of true believers, those that truly strive to do His will despite the chaos.

Now, I'm not a huge buyer into the eschatological thing. I believe there will be end times, but not in the manner described in certain popular books. The Bible does, however make mention of scary things like the mark of the beast. I don't think it will be a literal mark, but rather, perhaps, in today's vernacular, a bio-chip or other identifying device. I could be wrong. No medicine or food or services without the mark/chip, whatever you want to call it.

I would, of course, refuse to obey any edicts to this effect even if it meant I had to brave the wilds and live like Grizzly Adams. I can't help but envision a sort of Road Warrior existence for Chrisitians in the end times.

Love rock music, but I really don't like any Christian bands. Alot of the bands I do like have the message, though. Kansas is probably my all-time favorite rock band, and they have, for years, had Christian messages cleverly put into their lyrics. As a matter of fact, Kerry Livgren, one of the founders of Kansas, has a great write-up on the Deity of Jesus Christ on his personal website.

Here is the link... don't worry, mods, no ads there  ... (link removed due to products for sale)

The problem as I see it in America is one of sever apathy. Even Christians are largely apathetic until something hits home. I'm not. I grew up all over the world, been in the military myself, and have traveled extensively in the interim. People are apatheitc and less concerned with God's ways than whether or not they can get that big screen TV or a 0% car loan. They figure as long as the trouble is in the cities, or nowhere near them, they're fine. We have to collectively get these people to wake up, but, alas, I fear that nothing short of things like 9/11 ever wakes people up. Notice that people, short of NY'ers, and even alot of them, have gone on and forgotten. Notice, however, that the middle east NEVER forgets a grudge --they nurture it, breed radicals, etc.
Again, Americans are apathetic, and our European brothers are even worse. Single digit church attendance, rising atheism, SEVERE problems with islam, especially in Germany, England, and France. If I had my way, not a single muslim would ever enter this country. Harsh, but needs to be done. They cannot hold public office because they pander to their own, breeding future generations of Christian haters. If enough of them get into office, pro-muslim groups would have a strong enough lobby to enact legislation all in the name of "political correctness". Then guess what? -- muslim prayer groups in public schools, kids forced to acknowledge false gods, it goes on and on -- but Americans will sit and let it happen. And I think God Himself is allowing it to happen because Americans have largely abandoned Biblical righteousness in favor of what pleases man.

The islam religion teaches them that one person will come along (they call him Mahdi) that will reunite all islam under one caliphate. They are expecting that person any time now. That is all it would take to reunite the sunnis and shiites.

This may be written in their books, but it's not Biblical. Nothing in the koran is true. Nothing. Nothing in anything they have ever written is true, nor will it be.

Let them come. I seriously doubt the US will be destroyed from within. Let's not forget that, as blackeyedpeas stated, we enjoy freedoms in the US, namely the freedom to bear arms. We may indeed have civil war, but the averge Americn gun pwner, and this is the majority of the population, would rise up and stop this. Yes, there would be severe damage, but we would quell it fairly quickly.

I, for one, am glad I live nowhere near a major city. Thank God for rural living. There are more people in my area with guns than almost anywhere else in the US. And I'm not talking wacky types, either, but God-fearing working-class people who would have no compulsion against defending their turf against all enemies, foreign or domestic.

Yes, there are forces who would love to see the US and Israel destroyed, but it will not happen anytime soon. Largely these muslim countries are posturing. The unified front they are seeking is years away from realization, if ever. I think we have bigger fish to fry than the arabs. Let's not forget that India, Pakistan, China, and Russia are all nuclear. It's not just the arabs that pose a threat. The US is largely unpopular in the world at large right now. Too bad the crusades didn't succeed.

I would love to see a law passed that stated that only Christians could hold office. Yes, yes, I know --pipe dream.

Separation of church and state can go both ways, good and bad, but the article points out why a codified Christian governmental policy would be best in situations like this.

I would also like to see only people born here allowed to hold office. In additional, I would like to see immigration banned for a few years until we can sort out who we have in the country.

Hello,

I don't see the sunnis and shiites getting along well enough to help one another tie their own shoes, let alone mount anything against the west. Let's not forget there are several other smaller muslim factions that get along with no one, and they would have to be dealt with as well by the larger two.

The arabs, if we pulled out of iraq, might mount agaist Israel, but not the US. I think they know better, and logistically speaking, short of terrorism, the US is really difficult to attack, unless it's from the air. Both the Germans and Japanese militaries stated that the US is uniquely positioned geography-wise. Very hard to attack.

Biblical knowledge aside, I still don't think most people get just how powerful Israel really is. People, particularly Americans, equate power to size of the country. Huge mistake. The US would have a difficult time taking Israel out, nukes being out of the question.

Having been a military brat myself as well as being military, and, after having studied it, I can safely tell you that, given the green light, Israel could lay waste to the middle east without a problem other than perhaps logistics. They have the troops, the weapons, the skill, and better still, the will power.

I don't think anyone in here fully appreciates the power that little nation known as Isreal wields. They have the best trained military in the world. They are the only nuclear power in the region. They could take out the entire terrorist world within days should they need to. The problem is the UN. Israel does it right when allowed to. They take no prisoners. They don't negotiate unless pressured by the US or the UN.
I pray Netanyahu gets re-elected. They need a hardline policy. If I were Bush, I'd turn a blind eye to Israe in terms of what they do. We need more Sword of Gideon action, not less. Praying for terrorists does not work. They need to be taken out. Full stop.

Unfortunately, Israel is somewhat on the American and UN leash. If I were Bush, I would turn a blind eye to Israel. Then again, I'm a stalwart supporter of Israel and her people. Friendly people, best military in the world, good food.

Israel, given a green light, and given no interference by the UN or other Arab nations, could end terrorism in Israel in a jiffy. Unfortunately, Mao's statement was corrent -- power (eartly power, anyway) eminates from the barrel of a gun. Terrorists only understand violence. Praying for them doesn't work. They're like roaches. You have to go to great lengths to rid yourself of them, but once they're gone, it's all good again.

The terrorists know that Israel is on a leash, and they rub it in. Take the leash away and let them go to town. The world could use a few less radical islamists anyway. Pull out of Iraq. Let Iraq, Iran, and Saudi go to war. Move back in after they've all killed one another and do it right. Let them do our work for us. It may work, it may not. Let the terrorists kill each other, not our people. One American soldier is worth their entire county.

Let's take this a step further. Since baby murder is still (unfortunately) legal, let's make all selfish, baby-killing mothers (I use the term mother loosely here) watch videos of aborted fetuses, dead babies, what happens to dead babies, and partial-birth abortions. Let's force them to feel like utter crap before, during, and after. Perhaps we could appeal to the people carrying these little souls that they are making a grave (pun intended) mistake through visually seeing what they are about to do -- commit murder.

When will people realize that abortion is possibly the sickest act a woman can commit. Fathers of these babies should be forced to watch the videos as well, unless the father is a dead beat and cannot be found.

I am 100% opposed to abortion even in the case of rape, because the innocent little soul in that mother's womb should not be killed to pay for the sins of the father/rapist. Full stop.