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More top Christians: U.S. may vanish like Babylon - Peter Schiff - http://www.wnd.com/2016/04/more-top-christians-u-s-may-vanish-like-babylon/   'America is continuing its descent to judgment'   America has been weighed on the scales and found wanting. And the days of the Republic may be at an end.   This from Franklin Graham, who has a biblical warning for the United States, that Americans could share the fate of the Babylonian empire.   In a recent post on his Facebook page, the son of the legendary evangelist Billy Graham told the story of how the Babylonian king Belshazzar was shown the writing on the wall from God's hand, telling him his reign was over because he did not honor God.   Graham concluded:   "What's the writing on the wall for America? As a nation we are found lacking because of sin and disobedience to God's Holy Word. We have not honored Him. If we don't turn back to God, I fear that our end will be near."   Christian leaders and writers were quick to agree with Graham's warning.   Rabbi Jonathan Cahn, the bestselling author of  "The Harbinger" and "The Mystery of the Shemitah," said Graham is echoing some of the themes he has talked about for years.   "Sin leads to judgment," said Cahn. "This law touches not only individuals, but nations and civilizations. To whom much is given, much is required. A nation that has been especially favored with God's blessings and the revelation of the Word is much more accountable concerning judgment. This applies to America."   Cahn claimed America was founded out of the pattern of ancient Israel.   "If America ever turns away from God and His ways, the blessings of God will be removed from the land and the judgments that came up on ancient Israel will come upon America," he said. Cahn argues that is precisely what is happening with "continuing manifestations of judgment" appearing in our time.   "As I have always said, God is in charge of the timing, but as it is now, America is continuing decisively in its descent to judgment," he concluded.   Mark Biltz, pastor of El Shaddai Ministries and author of  "Blood Moons" and the upcoming "God's Day Timer: The Believer's Guide To Divine Appointments," also argued God is ultimately in control of America's fate.   "It is said that the one thing we learn from history is that we don't learn from history!" he exclaimed. "The last 4,000 years of world history are full of the rise and fall of kingdoms.   "Many had their turns at the helm of history. But immorality, how they treated the Jewish people, or both were always the cause of their demise. The God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel will bring all the kingdoms of this world in subjection to His leadership. He will put an end not only to America's dominance but an end to every kingdom as He sets up His rule."   Several commentators said Christians must avoid the temptation of seeking redemption through secular politics.   Bill Cloud, author of  "Esau Rising," said Christians have a special responsibility to look to God rather than any political leader.   "I know we are in the heat of this political cycle and there are a lot of Christians who think that if we just get the right guy in office then somehow all of our problems will be solved," said Cloud. "Well, I don't think that any person, any party or philosophy is going to save the nation. Scripturally, it says that if the land is to be healed, what has to happen is that God's people have to humble themselves, seek His face, pray, and turn from their wicked ways. And so initially it's upon the Christians. The responsibility is upon the Christians to turn back to God in repentance and humility and to forsake our sins. Then we see these other things begin to fall in place. Then you'll see a spiritual renewal take place throughout the nation."   Last month, Graham made similar comments, saying he had zero hope in the Republican Party and saying he only had faith in God.   Carl Gallups, a pastor, talk show host and author of several books including  "Be Thou Prepared," said America has lost sight of its Christian foundation.   "From the earliest writings of many of our founding fathers to later declarations of presidents, the Supreme Court, and various national officials - the Christian heritage and foundation of our nation's principles are indisputable," he told WND. "It is precisely because of our Christian heritage that other religions of the world are free to lawfully exercise their faith - or even to hold no faith at all - without government penalty. It was a brilliant and godly plan. The institution of that plan brought the world the most unique and blessed nation the world has ever known since ancient Israel.   "We have turned so far from those founding principles. Unless America (beginning in its pulpits and pews and thus influencing the halls of government) repents and turns back to our foundation of Godly heritage - we will simply go the way of every other secular and godless empire of ages past."   Cheryl Chumley,  author of "The Devil in DC" and a WND staff writer, said temporal politics do matter. Ultimately, however, she agreed spiritual devotion is more important.   "It's great that so much interest has been generated among the constituency over this current primary season," she said. "And it's great that Republican candidates are rousing conservatives, and particularly evangelicals, from their slumber of the past two presidential races, when many stayed home instead of voting. But we have to remember our nation, based on Judeo-Christian principles, isn't one where government is the be-all and end-all of fixing what ails. America's greatness is tied to the realization individual rights come from God, not government.   "Unfortunately, we've been mocking the one who's granted us this great nation - we've been living in sin, fooling ourselves into believing things like abortion, adultery, gay marriage, and so forth, are simply changes with the times and those who oppose on religious or Christian grounds ought to just shut up and quit forcing out-of-date morals on the rest of society. Well, they're not - they're standards set by God. And the price for failing to uphold God's standards is removal of His blessings and protections."   However, though many of the writers and pastors asked agreed with Graham's comments, Joel Richardson, bestselling author of the  "The Islamic Antichrist" and director of the new film "Global Jesus Revolution," had the most challenging response. He argued Christians need to brutally examine their own conduct, and that of their leaders.   "We are now increasingly hearing various American preachers claim that if the United States as a whole does not turn back to God, we are doomed as a nation," said Richardson. "Such comments however, while having elements of truth, do little to help our current situation. First of all, every nation throughout the earth is going to face the judgment of the Lord. The universal Day of Reckoning is looming for every nation - and for every person. As Christians however, our primary duty is to first repent ourselves, and then to call other believers to obedience to Jesus.   "How can we expect unbelievers to repent of their sins and idols, when we ourselves are not even living in obedience to Jesus? How can we as the American church for example, ask unbelievers to forsake their idols when we as a community celebrate pastors who live in ten million dollar homes with three elevators?   "Do I think judgment is coming? Yes, absolutely. The Day of the Lord is inescapable. Who can stand on that day? But we must remember that as the Scriptures state, judgment begins in the house of God. Personally I am seeking to repent myself, and then to very solemnly call other believers to repent and get back to actually following Jesus as the early believers did. When we as a community truly do this, then revival will come to this nation."

Confusion Doesn't Come from God - Ron & Nathele Graham - [e-mail]   The Holy Bible is God's written word. Men wrote the words, but the Holy Spirit inspired them and we need to diligently study it. God has given us His written word to help us understand Him, not to create confusion. Why is it, then, that many people claim that there are things in the Bible that God doesn't want us to understand? Really? What things? Writing by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Paul wrote "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." 2 Timothy 3:16. The word "all" means just that...all. Most of the Bible was written in Hebrew and Greek, but then Bible translators began to make it easier for everyone to be able to read and understand God's word. It must be understood that some translation problems arose as this process continued, but the Holy Spirit has preserved the message. It was all written for us to understand.   It's very important for Christians to study the Bible. In doing so, we should compare our English words (or whatever language you read) to the true meaning of the original language. "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15. If you're confused by a certain verse, look at the context by reading verses before and after the verse. That will help. By all means get yourself a good concordance and look into the Hebrew or the Greek to obtain a more precise interpretation of the verse in question. Older translations, like the King James Version, contain words that have changed meaning over the years. One such word found in the Old and New Testaments is "conversation". Today we think of a conversation as a dialogue between two or more people. In the King James Version it means the way we live. Understanding this difference in meaning can affect the way you understand the verses in which this word appears. There are other English words which have a different meaning than their original intent. Most of us know the English word "love" can mean everything from "I love my car" to "I love God". In Greek, however, there are many words that are translated into the English word "love", such as agapē, agapaō, phileō, and philadelphia. Each one has a special definition that makes Scripture take on a deeper meaning if you know which word is used.   Taking the whole counsel of God into consideration is imperative for understanding. We can't just look at a verse or two and build doctrine on them, yet many people do. When there are differing interpretations of God's word we must conclude that everyone can't be correct. The Holy Spirit doesn't work that way. "For God is not the author of confusion..." 1 Corinthians 14:33a. That's where study comes in. Have you been caught up in the "name it and claim it" crowd? You can find one or two verses that seem to support this, but when read in context and taken as part of the whole Biblical teaching you will discover that it's a wrong message. Test all things through Scripture and you won't be confused. There are some wonderful Bible studies online that can help you to understand more of what God's word teaches. I try to stay away from denominational studies because they seem to promote a particular denominational teaching rather than what God's word really says. No, I'm not against denominations in general, but I am for what God says rather than what any one denomination promotes and prefer verse by verse Bible study. For instance, some denominations allow homosexual or women pastors. This is very much opposed to God's word, but these liberal thinkers can twist Scripture to make it seem as if He has changed His mind. Study for yourself and follow God, not man. God has not changed and we need to conform to God.   Reading and understanding Scripture should give us hope. "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope." Romans 15:4. The Scriptures which are referred to in this verse are Old Testament Scripture. Many people don't study the Old Testament, but it's important to understand it. The Old Testament reveals the creation account, contains the Law of Moses, tells of the history of the Jewish people, foretells the Messiah, offers comfort and encouragement through the Psalms, and gives prophecy to open our eyes to the future. God does hold us responsible to understand Scripture. There are numerous prophesies regarding the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, but the Jewish leaders refused to understand them. When Jesus rode into Jerusalem and the people hailed Him as their Messiah, He wept over that city. Why? Because He knew that they would ultimately reject Him and because of their blindness destruction would follow. "Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! But now they are hid from thine eyes. For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side, and shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation." Luke 19:42-44. Jerusalem was destroyed about 40 years later. The Jewish leaders should have studied prophecy and understood it. Today there are many prophecies being fulfilled, but if you don't understand Scripture you will be blind to what is happening all around you. The Rapture will happen soon, yet many people are confused about that event. Christians should be eagerly waiting for the Rapture, but lack of knowledge of Scripture keeps many blind. It should give us hope to know that Christians will be called Home before God's wrath comes.   God doesn't hide things from His people. Well, there may be one exception, but it really isn't an exception. Jesus taught many lessons using parables. These can be confusing, but Jesus spoke in parables for a reason. These were a means of teaching lessons, but concealing them in stories. To only be understood by those who truly wanted to understand. "And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it. But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples." Mark 4:33-34. Many people were confused by the parables, but He did explain them to His disciples. Today we have the Holy Spirit to help us to understand. It's up to us to pray for understanding and to study. Yes, God wants us to understand. Symbolism is used in the parables and these symbols don't change their meaning from one parable to another. "Birds of the air" represent Satan and his minions and leavening represents sin. Confusion comes from not understanding the symbolism. Remember, Scripture was written mainly to people who understood Jewish traditions, so it's also a good idea to learn their ways to better understand parables.   There are many deceived people who will try to convince you of things that aren't found in the Bible. These are nice people, but they have not studied. Some groups believe that Jesus and Lucifer are brothers. That is absolutely not true. This lie is packaged so it sounds plausible and the unstudied Christian can easily be deceived. Jesus is the Creator and Lucifer was created. Another group believes Mary was more than merely human and was a perpetual virgin. Again, these people haven't studied God's word and in fact believe many unbiblical ideas taught by their leadership. The truth is found in God's word. In the Book of Acts we find that Paul and Silas went to the synagogue in Berea and taught about Jesus. These Bereans were commended for listening to what they had to say, but then they searched the Scripture to see if it was true. "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so." Acts 17:11. God wants us to know the truth and He gave us Scripture in order that we have a standard by which to measure all things.   Don't try to read the Bible as a novel. It does start at the beginning with Genesis and end at the end in Revelation, but the chapters in between aren't necessarily in chronological order. As you study you will notice that some events are repeated in more than one book. A new Christian or someone who is just beginning serious Bible study may get a bit confused, but with diligence it can be sorted out. The Gospels can sometimes be a source of confusion. Events are repeated and sometimes seem to contradict each other. These are four accounts of the same events told from four different perspectives. Occasionally there will be additional information in one Gospel that doesn't appear in the others, but that doesn't change the truth. When studying, don't let this confuse you. If you asked four people to describe the life of a common friend you will get four different descriptions. Each person will speak from his own perspective and give a little more information to the whole story. So it is with the Gospels. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John each tell the same story, but from their own point of view.   Confusion in Bible study can also be brought about by limiting God. Too often we study God's word, which is filled with supernatural events, but we try to understand it based on human knowledge. By doing this we put human limits on God. If one part of the Bible is misinterpreted, that will cause confusion in other areas. Do you understand Genesis chapter 6? The language is very clear in stating that the fallen angels mated with human women. Throughout history this was accepted as fact. Then came human ideas and a couple of centuries after Christ walked this earth some mixed up "theologians" decided that God didn't know what He was talking about and that He really meant that the sons of Seth married the daughters of Cain. There is so much wrong with that made up story and it brings in confusion when studying God's word. God is a loving God so why would He destroy all of creation because one human married another human? How did all flesh (that includes animals) become corrupted by a man marrying a woman? Noah was perfect in his genes so he and his family were all saved through the flood. Their genes were not corrupted by the fallen angels and his bloodline was pure. If you believe man's stories, God seems angry and full of murderous intentions instead of the loving God He truly is. The flood had to destroy all corrupted flesh in order for Jesus to be the perfect, uncorrupted sacrifice for our salvation. If you don't understand what was happening in Noah's day then you will not understand why God had to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, or what the Israelites were afraid of when they were about to enter the Promise Land, or even much of what is happening today. Confusion comes from man listening to satanic deception, not from God.   God does not delight in any confusion associated with His inerrant Word. Our awesome God gave us His word with the intent that we become fully familiar with it in order that we grow in our relationship with Him. Let God lead your study while you diligently seek the truth.     God bless you all,   Ron & Nathele Graham [e-mail] www.straitandnarrowministry.com [e-mail] Previous commentaries archived at http://www.raptureready.com/featured/graham/graham.html     All original scripture is "theopneustos" God breathed.   This commentary was started by Ron Graham before his death on March 14, 2013, and finished by his wife, Nathele Graham   If you'd like to be on my mailing list to receive the commentaries just drop me an email and let me know.

Featured Article: I will fill thee with locusts - Bill Wilson - www.dailyjot.com   As the first Syrians are now on there way under the "president's" resettlement policy of bringing over 100,000 Islamic "refugees" from terrorist-sponsoring Syria, the same "president" is arguing with Congress and the Supreme Court whether he has the ability to forego the law and make some four million illegal aliens eligible for social security. According to CNSNews.com, on April 18, the Supreme Court will hear arguments on the case United States v. Texas, pitting the "president" against a majority of the states, which have joined in the litigation against the administration. It is essentially a test case as to whether a president can choose not to enforce the law, but there is far more than that at stake.   CNSNews.com reports that at issue is the White House policy called Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA), which would allow aliens in this country illegally who are parents of citizens or lawful permanent residents to stay in the US. The brief submitted by the Texas Attorney General to the Supreme Court on behalf of the states explains: "The Executive Branch unilaterally created a program--known as DAPA--that contravenes Congress's complex statutory framework for determining when an alien may lawfully enter, remain in, and work in the country." Bottom line, DAPA classifies illegals as "lawfully present," making over four million illegals eligible for Medicare and Social Security.   Part of this "president's" legacy is choosing the laws he wants to support and those he doesn't. We have seen this on numerous occasions since the beginning of his administration--off shore drilling, Defense of Marriage Act, Fast and Furious, border security, and immigration laws. The combined impact of this lawlessness is the invasion of the United States with lawbreakers, prospective terrorists, anti-democracy anarchists, and criminals. Aside from the attack on society--which costs billions a year in criminal acts, court defenses, and personal injury--Americans are being asked to aid and abet this invasion by shouldering the burden in "entitlements" such as health care, welfare, and even Social Security.   Add to this a report by The Tax Foundation that Americans on the average will spend more on federal, state, and local taxes in 2016 than on food, clothing, and housing combined. Those of us who work, do so an average of 114 days to pay for government programs. The cost of government policies, however, reach far beyond the tax bill. One cannot look at these policies without assigning a strategic weight to them. It appears that the Islamic Marxist in the White House is strategically accomplishing what the Lord prophesied through Jeremiah for judgment on Babylon, "Surely I will fill thee with men, as with locusts; and they shall raise a battle cry against thee." America faces an invasion of dependents whose first act of coming to the country is breaking the law. Another wave are from terrorist-sponsoring states where there is no way to vet their intent.

Daily Devotion: A Faithful Messenger -  Greg Laurie - www.harvest.org   And Elijah the Tishbite, of the inhabitants of Gilead, said to Ahab, "As the Lord God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, except at my word." -1 Kings 17:1   Elijah had a message that wasn't an easy one to deliver: Go tell Ahab it isn't going to rain for a long time. Go tell Ahab there's going to be a drought. Yet Elijah faithfully delivered the message that God had given to him.   In the same way, God has given us a message that isn't the easiest one to deliver. The fact that we Christians believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that He is the only way to God isn't a popular thing to say in our culture today. But we're only the messengers. And it's our job to declare the whole counsel of God.   Now, we should deliver the message with as much compassion and grace as we can. Colossians 4:6 says, "Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one." But the truth is that "all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution" (2 Timothy 3:12). People will take it out on the messenger.   A lot of people say they want tolerance, but what they really want is acceptance and approval. I think Christians are very tolerant people. I may not agree with someone, but I won't try to censor them or silence them. Yet there are people who would say to Christians, "You can't have that view. You can't express that view." They not only want to silence us, but they also want us to say that we tolerate what they believe and that we accept and approve of it.   This fight will come to every doorstep of every believer in some way, shape, or form. The question is, are we going to stand on the Word of God or on the shifting sands of culture?