Endtime May June 2004

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www.endtime.com

VOL. 14 / NO. 3

MAY / JUN 2004

$3.00

WORLD WORLD EVENTS EVENTS FROM FROM A A BIBLICAL BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE PERSPECTIVE

BATTLE FOR AMERICA’S SOUL PP44 SHARON DISENGAGES PP13 13 “COINCIDENCES” OF EU FLAG PP18 18 KERRY ON HOMOSEXUALITY PP26 26

Holy Roman Empire 2004
Can Can the the Antichrist Antichrist and and False False Prophet Prophet be be far far behind? behind?

Many have stated that it is impossible to know whether or not we are living in the last days before the second coming of Jesus Christ. However, below you will find dramatic proof that these are the endtimes. The proofs below defy coincidence.

Euphrates River to Be Dried Up

In Revelation 16:12, the Bible predicts that the Euphrates River will be dried up to prepare the way for the kings of the east to invade Israel. This will happen at the time of the battle of Armageddon according to verse 16 of the same chapter. The battle of Armageddon will be the final battle at which time Jesus will return and fight on the side of the nation of Israel. Immediately thereafter He will establish His kingdom and usher in His one thousand-year reign of peace. On January 13, 1990, the Indianapolis Star carried the headline “Turkey Will Cut Off Flow of Euphrates for One Month.” The article stated that a huge reservoir had been built by Turkey. While filling up the reservoir, the flow of the Euphrates would be stopped for one month and a concrete plug for a diversion channel built. These things have now been done. With this newly built dam, Turkey has the ability to stop the Euphrates River at will. The conditions for fulfilling this 1,900 year-old prophecy are now in place.

In Revelation 9:15-16, the Bible prophesies that an army of 200 million soldiers will launch a war which would kill “the third part of men.” Never in the history of the world until our present generation has there been a power on earth that could field 200 million soldiers. However, the late ruler of China, Mao Tse Tung boasted in his diary that he could field an army of 200 million. The CIA World Factbook reports that in the year 2001, it is estimated that China has 200,886,946 men of military age, and this number is growing by 10 million per year.

China Goes to War

Worldwide Numbering System Predicted

In Revelation 13, the Bible prophesies that a world dictator will soon rule over a world government. He will cause all people in the earth to receive a number without which they will be unable to buy or sell. We are seeing this prophecy fulfilled before our eyes in a most astonishing way. Nearly every human being in the world now has been assigned a number. In America it is our Social Security number. In the past few years, we have seen this number extended to newborns. A child without a Social Security number cannot be declared as a dependent on an income tax return. We have seen the emergence of electronic money, shopping with credit cards, and many people urging the abolishment of cash. All of these things could not possibly have been fulfilled until this present time. Only after the invention of the computer could such a worldwide numbering system be administered.

Revelation 13:7 and Daniel 7:23 prophesy the establishment of a world government. The term “New World Order” has become a prevalent phrase in the world’s political culture. Mikhail Gorbachev made the term famous, and Pope John Paul II has referred to it repeatedly. In the September 12, 1990 issue of the Chicago Tribune, our former president George Bush said, “Iraq is the first test for the New World Order.” He emphatically stated that the Iraq War is Saddam Hussein against the world. The United Nations’ troops are continually referred to as the multi-national forces. The decision has been made to establish an interdependent community of nations that will rule the world under United Nations authority. The Bible says that this will lead us into a great world government. The formation of this government is at hand.

The Emergence of a New World Order

or Divine Providence?
Is it coincidental that all of these major prophecies pertaining to the last times are being fulfilled simultaneously?
Source: Endtime Magazine, P.O. Box 2066, Richmond, IN 47375 1-800-Endtime, www.endtime.com, [email protected] This page may be copied and distributed freely

Hardly.

PROPHETIC DESTINY
OF OF THE THE

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PERSPECTIVE

EDITORIAL Irvin Baxter
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

WORLD EVENTS FROM A BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE

MAGAZINE STAFF
Editor-in-Chief: Irvin Baxter Assistant Editor: Eddie Sax Editorial Assistants: Ginger Boerkircher, Liz Freeman, Dana Grohman, Craig Treadwell, Ray Zweidinger Research: Kathy McKinney Radio Outreach Director: Kara McPeak Radio Operations: Jim Stigleman Donor Relations: Tracey Kidwell Webmaster: Dan Barkley Layout/Design: Andy Van Engen, Dustin Hall RespireCreative.com

BATTLING FOR THE SOUL OF AMERICA
“One Nation, Under God”

A

s we go to press with this edition of ENDTIME, the U.S. Supreme Court is deliberating the constitutionality of the phrase “under God” in our Pledge of Allegiance. The plaintiff in the proceedings, Michael Newdow, contends that saying “under God” takes away his rights—rights to be an atheist and rights to train his daughter to be an atheist. The truth is that Mr. Newdow would have no rights at all if it were not for God. In the founding document of the United States of America—the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson wrote: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights…” Our forefathers understood and acknowledged that some rights come only from God, not from government. If government forbids the official acknowledgement of our Creator, as recent court rulings have done, then the unalienable rights that flow from that Creator will also no longer be acknowledged. The inevitable end of that slippery slope, which America is presently traveling, is that our only rights are those granted by government. Of course, if the government can grant rights, then it can take them away. Unalienable means “not capable of being transferred by a legal process to another owner.”

Opponents to the acknowledgement of God by our government cite the First Amendment, contending that it mandates the separation of church and state. The ignominious result of this convoluted logic is to negate the very foundation on which our nation was founded—that foundation being that we derive our unalienable rights from our Creator. What about the separation of church and state? What does the First Amendment really say, and what was the original intent of our founding fathers who wrote it? Did they intend for a court someday to use the First Amendment to remove acknowledgement of God from our Declaration of Independence? Did they intend to forbid the acknowledgement of God in our Pledge of Allegiance? Obviously not! They included God in the Declaration of Independence. So what was the original intent of our founding fathers? The First Amendment reads as follows: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.” Fisher Ames was the author of the First Amendment. Did he intend for this continued on page 31

ENDTIME MINISTRIES STATEMENT OF FAITH
WE BELIEVE that the Bible is the inspired Word of God, that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world, and that He will come again to establish a kingdom that shall never be destroyed (Daniel 2:44). Those who are born again (John 3:3-5) will have eternal life and rule as kings and priests with Christ forever.

WHAT IS ENDTIME MAGAZINE?
In 1968, Irvin Baxter discovered the United States and other modern nations in the Bible. He also found the Berlin Wall in the Bible and that one day it was to be torn down, reuniting Germany, and that event would be the catalyst to spark an international movement called the “New World Order.” These things have now come to pass. Irvin Baxter, a Pentecostal minister, began Endtime ministries in 1986 when he wrote A Message For The President, a book explaining the major prophecies of the Bible which he had been teaching since 1968. After the fall of the Berlin Wall, prophetic fulfillment accelerated rapidly. The decision was made to launch ENDTIME. The purpose of the magazine is to explain the prophecies of the Bible and to show that they are now being fulfilled in intricate detail. Articles focus on the soon return of Jesus Christ, the truth of the Bible, and the need for salvation. ENDTIME does not deal with doctrinal controversies, as valid as they may be. This will be left to other publications.

4 EN DTI M E MAGAZI N E MAY / J U N 2004

www.endtime.com
[email protected]

CONTENTS
MAY / JUN 2004 VOL. 14 / NO. 3

COVER

18

10 WHO KILLED JESUS?

PERSPECTIVE

In the wake of Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ”
opening, the pastor of a Denver church decided that it would be apropos to remind rush-hour travelers of who should be blamed for paving the way for our eternal salvation. What the Bible says about who is responsible for the death of Jesus.

DEPARTMENTS
4 EDITORIAL Battle For America’s Soul 6 LETTERS & FEEDBACK 8 WORLD REVIEW
• Al-Qaida plot to split Spain from allies • Hundreds help after anti-Semitic attack • China’s warnings • Congress hears U.S. forces ready for Chinese threat • Religious discrimination gets high-court OK • Germans ban Muslim headscarves in schools • EU grants Gaza Strip homeless 1 million Euro • EU chief, Solana urges tighter global cooperation • Rome’s green light for Nazi demo • Push for plastic • Wal-Mart hits snags in push to use radio tags to track goods

13 SHARON’S DISENGAGEMENT PLAN
ground, and where it may be heading. COVERSTORIES

ISRAELWATCH

What we know for sure from the Bible, the facts on the

18 “COINCIDENCES” OF THE EUROPEAN FLAG
How close are the EU’s ties to the Vatican? Look no further
than their flag.

EUROPEWATCH

20 HOLY ROMAN EMPIRE — 2004

Can the Antichrist and the False Prophet be far behind?
Where can the prophecies be found? It’s about Europe, the Antichrist and the False Prophet... where we are and where we’re going.

15 TEACHING MATERIALS Product Pages 25 ENDTIME STUDY GROUPS & RADIO LOG 25 ENDTIME PROPHECY CONFERENCES
Cover & Top:
PHOTO BY KYLE T. DAVIS | Bottom Left: Photo of the Vatican FROM COREL WORDPERFECT SUITE, ACADEMIC EDITION, CLIPART PHOTO FILES | Bottom Right: Democratic

22 KINGS AND PAWNS IN THE GAME
OF GLOBALIZATION
There is a player upon the grand chessboard of globalization
that is often overlooked by the average North American. For centuries, world leaders have gingerly approached the high offices of this institution, seeking special blessings and paying homage to its long-standing position of high-authority. It’s the Vatican.

WORLDGOVERNMENT

Presidential hopeful John Kerry reacts to supporters and takes questions at Tougaloo College in Jackson, Mississippi on March 7th. EPA/JUDI BOTTONI

26 THE POLITICS AND RELIGION OF HOMOSEXUALITY: KERRY SPEAKS

GODINAMERICA

Here’s what he said: “I believe that marriage is between a man and a woman, but I believe it’s important in the United States of America that we recognize that we have a Constitution which has an equal protection clause.” But what does he mean?

28 CHRISTIAN POSITION ON HOMOSEXUALITY 30 7000 WILL DIE IN
ISRAELWATCH

The Christian Position on any subject is determined by the teachings of the Bible. Endtime’s editor dives in.

JERUSALEM EARTHQUAKE

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An Israeli seismologist warned that 5,000-10,000 people
would probably die if an earthquake hit Israel. The book of Revelation says 7,000.

Endtime is published bi-monthly by Endtime, Inc., 1301 South 8th Street, Richmond, IN 47374. Subscription price is $29 for 12 issues. Periodical postage paid #009267, ISSN# 1066-6885, Richmond, IN, and additional mailing offices. © 2004 Endtime, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Endtime, PO Box 2066, Richmond, IN 473752066. For subscriptions call 24 hrs/day, 7 days/week 1-800-ENDTIME. Other inquiries call 1-765-962-6344 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Central).

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LETTERSTOTHE EDITOR

LETTERS &FEEDBACK
Saving the U.S.A. As always I enjoy your show. I continue to be fascinated by your zeal to save the U.S.A., and for the life of me, I cannot find this example in scripture, which doesn’t necessarily mean it is misguided. As far as the U.S. in the corporal sense, I couldn’t care less. I am much more interested in seeing individual people in the U.S. become born again. Passing laws and constitutional amendments is not going to get or convince anyone of eternal salvation. —B. Russell
REPLY God not only loves the USA, He loves the whole world. I admit that I do love this country and pray that God would pour out a great revival upon it. And by the way, if Sodom and Gomorrah would have had a constitutional amendment against same-sex relations and would have enforced it, God would not have destroyed them.

W H AT ’ S O N YO U R M I N D ? E N DTI M E WANTS TO KN OW.

I send this message in love and hope your ministry continues to reveal hidden truths that can bring people to Christ Jesus. —Michael
REPLY I am a firm believer that God no longer dwells in temples made with hands. However, the prophecies about the temple that will stand in the endtime do not depict the temple as an abomination. In both II Thessalonians 2:4 and in Revelation 11:1-2, the temple is described as the “temple of God.” Both of these prophecies describe the state of affairs that will exist 3 1/2 years before Armageddon. This is 3 1/2 years before the fulfillment of Romans 11:25-26, which tells us that all of Israel shall be saved. The prophecy declares that the rebuilt temple will stand after Israel’s 2,000-year exile is over and her nation has been reborn. Israel’s revival spoken of by Hosea 6:1-2 will be in progress: “Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up. After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight.” It is obvious that part of the prophecies concerning Israel in the last days has now been fulfilled. Part of them is yet to come. These prophecies in progress are a great witnessing tool that can win Jew and Gentile alike.

A little closer to the mark I just thought this was too close for comfort. I was telling a friend of mine at work that my daughter was a little upset that her kids now have debit cards instead of money for their school lunches. She said, “They don’t do that at my kids’ school. They just scan their fingerprint, and all the information they need comes right up on the screen.” Not only that, my friend didn’t even have to give permission for her kids’ fingerprints to be taken. And people don’t think that we’re living in the endtimes! Keep up the good work, and God be with you. —Debbie Misplaced enthusiasm? I feel your temple enthusiasm is misplaced. It’s one thing to confirm scripture by showing how building plans exist – that is cause for excitement, I agree. But you at Endtime are aware of its existence because of an unbelieving people who refuse to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. This temple is an abomination to God, but Endtime seems to glorify it and cater to the people who intend to build it. [When you provide links on the news page of your website to sites such the Temple Institute in Jerusalem], it seems to suggest that we should buy jewelry from these people. I suggest Endtime should focus more on witnessing to these people about Jesus Christ. I hope you’re not waiting for the appropriate time, which may never present itself, in order to get guided tours and acceptance from them.

Long way off? I have a few questions about the endtimes. In Matthew 24:32-35, could “this generation” mean mankind? Is this when the human experience ends? With 2002 stats of four billion who have not heard a clear message of the gospel, and two billion with no Christian living nearby to tell them, do you think the Church has fulfilled the commission of preaching the gospel to all nations? I believe most of the trumpets have sounded, as you teach, but could there still be many years before the tribulation? We will know for sure when we see the Antichrist stand in the temple, but could that still be a long way off? —S. Simpson, South Korea
REPLY The generation of which Jesus spoke could not possibly refer to the end of the human experience. The prophecies of Matthew 24 are signs of the Second Coming and the end of the age. There will be another 1,000 years after the Second Coming (Revelation 20:1-15).

6 EN DTI M E MAGAZI N E MAY / J U N 2004

LETTERSTOTHE EDITOR

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Rare compliment I never agree with what you say about prophecy, but the program in which you spoke of the difference between the wrath of Satan and the wrath of God was one of the few exceptions. Everything you said was correct. Congratulations (trust me, this a rare compliment). I know more about prophecy than anyone I know, but there will be those who will come in the future knowing far more about prophecy than you and I. —Paul The eagle I wondered what you thought about any connection between the eagle in Revelation and Rome. I have always agreed with your idea that the eagle represented the U.S. until I was told that the symbol for Rome, and specifically its military, was the eagle. I was pretty shaken up and spent some time researching it online and found the information to be true. I am anxious to hear your thoughts. —C. Wulfsberg
REPLY The eagle has been used as a symbol by many nations. However, the eagle’s wings in Daniel 7:4 are depicted as coming out of the lion. The lion is Great Britain. Obviously, Rome did not come out of Great Britain. The U.S. did. The rest of this prophecy fits the United States explicitly. In the book of Revelation, the eagle’s wings are portrayed as helping the woman—Israel. Rome has not been a protector of Israel. The U.S., on the other hand, is Israel’s number one friend and ally. Also we should consider that two entire chapters in Revelation are devoted to prophecies about Rome. Chapters 17 and 18 speak of Rome as the great whore.

ment scriptures all the time for future events at that! How can you even think the old and new are totally different?? Do we not serve the same God? Perhaps you should read again John chapter 1 then go to some of the references: Genesis, Isaiah, Zephaniah 3:8,9. —T. Vaclavik
REPLY The word “testament” means will. I’m sure you have heard of the “last will and testament” of a person. The Old Testament is the old will of God. The New Testament is the new will of God. This does not mean that the Old Testament is not valuable or that it is not the word of God. Scripture teaches us that the Old Testament object lessons are types and shadows of the spiritual realities of the New Testament. Romans 6:14 tells us, “For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.” Romans 7:6 teaches, “But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.”

F E E D B A C K
Cannot put the Bible down I received your [free] “What Do You Mean Born Again?” brochure from some guy I don’t even know. I read it and was fascinated. I wasn’t much of a Bible reader, but now I cannot put the Bible down. Thank you! —Dole, Frankfort, IN Thanks for your ministry. I’ve had the fortunate pleasure of meeting you several times and being in the studio audience for two of your videos. I came to Christ thanks to your ministry, and recently found out that someone else at my church did as well. —Rich, Naperville, IL Stretching exercises Thanks for the information you are disseminating. Your radio program is a treasure to me. You stretch people to think through things and I love this! You keep me better prepared. —Beverly Precept upon precept Your teachings have helped me put line upon line and precept upon precept. I can now read Revelation and understand it for myself, but more than that, you have equipped me so that I can help others. I appreciate that you are willing to stand against the odds and speak God’s word as He has given it! —Irene A glorious thought I never thought I would see the endtime come to pass, but here it is. Soon our Precious Lord will return. That’s a glorious thought for all of us who are ready. I thank Him because I have now moved to Mississippi for the winter months and can finally hear Politics & Religion. I can hardly wait for the program to come on each day. —Helen, 88, Jackson, MS

The Harvests Revelation 14 talks about the harvest. If the saints and sinners are both harvested, who’s left? —Susan
REPLY Revelation 14:14-20 describes two harvests. These two harvests are the same two harvests described by Jesus in Matthew 13 as the harvest of the wheat and the tares. In Revelation 14, the harvest that was cast into the winepress refers to the Battle of Armageddon. We know that not every person on earth will be at Armageddon. We also know that the earth will be inhabited during the 1000-year reign of Jesus that immediately follows Armageddon. Obviously, not everyone on earth will be destroyed. Daniel 7:11-12 describes nations that will lose their power when the Antichrist is destroyed; but they continue to live into the millennium under the reign of Jesus and His church.

Old vs. New Testament In discussing the situation of North Korea one day, you used the expression, “If we were living in the Old Testament.” Since Jesus came we have moved into the New Testament, the spiritual kingdom. The Old Testament was the physical kingdom, and they are totally different. Mr. Baxter, last time I checked we were still living in God’s physical kingdom, but we walk in the spirit. God has never changed His Word. It is eternal and everlasting. I believe that means all of His word and not part of it. You use Old Testa-

ENDTIME

ENDTIME and/or its staff. ENDTIME

thanks you for your letters. The letters we use in ENDTIME do not necessarily reflect the views of reserves the right to edit letters according to space and editorial style.

EN DTI M E MAGAZI N E MAY / J U N 2004

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AROUNDTHE GLOBE

WORLD REVIEW
» WARONTERROR
Al-Qaida plot to split Spain from allies A recently revealed document shows that al-Qaida planned to carry out attacks to separate Madrid from the U.S. and its allies in the war on terror. The document was published on an Internet message board used by alQaida months before Spain’s national elections. The document made the following claim: “We think the Spanish government… will be forced to withdraw because of the public pressure on it…. the victory of the Socialist Party will be almost guaranteed – and the withdrawal of Spanish forces will be on its campaign manifesto.” That prediction was fulfilled when the Socialists who were lagging in the polls ousted Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar’s Popular Party three days after 10 bombs ripped through Madrid’s Atocha station, killing at least 201 people. Immediately after the victory, Prime Minister-elect Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero vowed to pull out Spain’s 1,300 troops in Iraq by June 30th if the United Nations “doesn’t take control of Iraq.” Zapatero said the war in Iraq was a mistake and Spain’s participation in it “has been a total error.” ple had to stand in line for a turn. Doug Mix, who is not a member of the congregation said, “We all came out here because America is still America, and we don’t tolerate this.” Among the congregation was Holocaust survivor, Fanny Starr. “I was just shaking and broke down,” she said. “All the wounds, the old wounds started opening again.” Rabbi Daniel Cohen said the vandalism may have been sparked by Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ”. The movie, which some feel wrongly blames Jews for the death of Christ, has been criticized as anti-Semitic.

by Liz Freeman & Ginger Boerkircher

GLOBAL NEWS SEEN THROUGH T H E E Y E S O F B I B L E P R O P H E CY.

» 6THTRUMPETWATCH
China’s warnings China told the United States that Hong Kong’s affairs are none of their business. The warning came after an address to a U.S. Senate hearing on the issue of democracy in the former British colony. In addition, Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian was dubbed “immoral” and warned by the Chinese parliament that his “splittist activities under the cloak of democracy” will not be tolerated. On the eve of Taiwan’s presidential elections in March, the United States kept a close watch for signs of Chinese military activity. The elections were considered to be a potential flashpoint, and according to U.S. officials, with “high confidence” that China would be the loser if the United States became involved. A U.S.-Chinese conflict could very possibly trigger the war prophesied in Revelation 9 in which one-third of mankind will be killed. Congress hears U.S. forces ready for Chinese threat Speaking before a House Armed Ser-

vices Committee hearing, Admiral Thomas Fargo, the top U.S. naval commander in the Pacific, told Congress that American forces are well-positioned to deal with any Chinese military action aimed at Taiwan. Fargo added that the U.S. did not see any signal of an imminent threat in the time surrounding Taiwan’s presidential election. When asked about the risk of a miscalculation that could be “catastrophic” for Taiwan, Fargo replied, “I’m pretty confident of our deterrent capability. Certainly, we’re well-postured right now. We understand the problem. Our forces are well-trained. So our ability to dissuade and deter China, I think, is really very good.” Fargo called the cross-strait issues “the largest friction point in the relationship between China and the United States... and has long been recognized as an international flashpoint.”

» WORLDRELIGION
Religious discrimination gets high-court OK In a recent court case, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that taxpayerfunded college scholarship programs can be denied to students majoring in theological studies. This ruling could have a dramatic effect on a wide range of religious-freedom issues and marks a departure from a recent trend of allowing religion in state-sponsored settings. The 7-2 ruling said the state of Washington did not violate the Constitution when it denied a scholarship to a student studying to be a minister. Writing for the majority, Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist stated, “Training someone to lead a congregation is an essentially religious endeavor. Indeed, majoring in devotional theology is akin

» GODINAMERICA
Hundreds help after anti-Semitic attack In Denver, Colorado, about 300 people of various faiths cleaned up a synagogue vandalized with swastikas and Nazi symbols on the eve of the Jewish holiday Purim. The crowd that showed up at BMHBJ Congregation was so large that peo-

8 EN DTI M E MAGAZI N E MAY / J U N 2004

AROUNDTHE GLOBE

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to a religious calling as well as an academic pursuit… That a state would deal differently with religious education for the ministry than with education for other callings” is not evidence of “hostility toward religion.” Rehnquist noted the scholarship program “goes a long way toward including religion in its benefits,” because it allows students to use scholarship money to attend accredited religious schools… The state has merely chosen not to fund a distinct category of instruction.” Writing the dissent, Justice Antonin Scalia, along with Justice Clarence Thomas, charged that the scholarship program “discriminates against religion.” Jay Sekulow, chief counsel of the American Center for Law and Justice believes that the ruling “clearly sanctions religious discrimination.” Germans ban Muslim headscarves in schools Lawmakers in Baden-Wuerttemberg, a conservative state, voted to bar Muslim teachers from wearing headscarves in public schools. It is the first in Germany to impose such a ban. The opposing party stated that it was unbalanced because it still allows Christian symbols in the classroom. The ban’s backers argued that the cloth could be seen as an Islamic political symbol, and part of the history of women’s suppression while Christian symbols were part of Western tradition. At least four other German states have proposed legislation banning Muslim teachers from wearing headscarves in school.

the Palestinians.” He said families that lose their homes as a result would receive money to pay “for alternative accommodation until permanent re-housing is made available.” EU chief, Solana urges tighter global cooperation Speaking at Beijing’s Tsinghua University, European Union’s Javier Solana has urged increased global cooperation, saying no one country can solve the world’s problems alone. Referring to the recent deadly bombings in Madrid, Solana said the coordinated explosions constituted not only an attack on Spain but on “the people of Europe and of the civilized world.” When asked about the relationship between Europe and the United States, Solana said unilateralism was not the answer. Although he did not refer directly to the U.S., he said, “What we have learned in the last period of time is that no single country, no matter how powerful it may be, no matter how much might it may have, can resolve the difficult challenges of today.” He believes these resolutions “have to be obtained through cooperation.” He welcomed comments by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao that there had been too much “unilateralism” in 2003. Solana also said the EU was working to end a 14-year-old arms embargo on Beijing despite efforts by the U.S. to continue the ban. He said he hoped the EU would make a decision on the issue “soon” and insisted the EU would make a decision on its own. Rome’s green light for Nazi demo In March, Rome’s police overruled the city’s mayor giving the go-ahead for sympathizers of convicted Nazi war criminal Erich Priebke to stage a demonstration to back demands for his release on grounds of advanced age. Priebke was given a life sentence in 1998 for his role in the massacre of 335 civilians in the Ardeatine caves during World War II. The daily Corriere della Sera quoted the city’s chief administrator of police, Achille Sera, as saying “the demonstration poses no problems of public order or safety.” A possible threat to public order, safety or health was the only

legal grounds to ban a protest march. Sources at city hall said they would cut off electric power at the protest site. Rome’s Jewish community and an association of families of victims of the Ardeatine massacre said two counterdemonstrations would be held that same day, one in the capital and the other in the caves.

» MARKOFTHEBEAST
Push for plastic According to CardWeb.com, the U.S.’ estimated 185 million card-holding consumers carry three bank-issued credit cards, four retail credit cards and one debit card. Banks are also moving very quickly into pre-paid, gift and payroll cards. There are mini-cards for a key chain, and wireless card acceptance terminals. According to a survey conducted by the American Bankers Association and Dove Consulting, plastic payments now account for 53 percent of consumer purchases, compared to 43 percent in 1999. Total plastic purchases — either credit or debit — are up 54 percent since 1999. The numbers prove that we are headed towards a cashless society. Wal-Mart hits snags in push to use radio tags to track goods In the summer of 2003, Wal-Mart surprised its suppliers by announcing an aggressive program for putting radio frequency tags on their shipments. With the declared deadline quickly approaching, Wal-Mart is now admitting that it will not be met. Wal-Mart, the world’s largest retailer, has been forced to make numerous accommodations as it pushes to deploy radio frequency identification in its supply tracking process. One hurdle is the cost of the devices, currently priced at 25 cents to 30 cents each. Analysts argue that the price needs to fall to 5 cents or less before savings are realized. “Wal-Mart keeps cutting back on its requirements,” said Michael J. Liard, a senior analyst following radio tag technology at the Venture Development Corporation, a market research company in Natick, Mass. “They’re not ready; the industry’s not ready; and the technology is not ready.” e

» EUWATCH
EU grants Gaza Strip homeless 1 million Euros The EU head office said it will grant 1 million euros (US$1.2 million) to secure alternative accommodation for 13,000 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip whose homes have been demolished recently by Israeli security forces. EU Development Commissioner Poul Nielson stated, “The demolitions are disproportionate acts that contravene international humanitarian law. We urge the Israeli military authorities to refrain from practices that aggravate the humanitarian and economic plight of

EN DTI M E MAGAZI N E MAY / J U N 2004

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PERSPECTIVE

Who Killed

Jesus?
Good morning, Denver. And by the way, don’t forget that it was the Jews who killed Jesus.
In the wake of Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ” opening, the pastor of a Denver church decided that it would be apropos to remind rush-hour travelers of who should be blamed for paving the way for our eternal salvation. “Jews killed the Lord Jesus,” read the marquee in front of the Lovingway Pentecostal Church on February 25th. Some passersby thought the sign was not very loving. Below this traffic-slowing headline, Pastor Maurice Gordon cited the scripture I Thessalonians 2:14-15. Gordon’s message was inspired by Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ,” a movie in which Gibson claims he did not blame the crucifixion of Jesus on the Jews. However, this is the controversy that had been raging since even before the movie’s release. Reaction among the Jewish community was mixed. Some spoke out against it vociferously, while others maintain that Christians are their best friends. A considerable segment of Christianity has had a history of anti-Semitism, holding to the teaching that the Jews killed Jesus Christ, and therefore it would be righteous to kill the Jews. Many people believe Adolph Hitler acted under that premise. The I Thessalonians scripture referenced on Gordon’s sign reads, “For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews: Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men.” In this passage of Scripture, the Apostle Paul did, in fact, attribute the killing of Jesus Christ to the Jewish people and asserted that they are the church’s enemies. Yet Paul himself was Jewish. He was Saul, also known as Paul (Acts 13:9).

BY LIZ FREEMAN AND EDDIE SAX

DENVER PASTOR SAYS THE JEWS DID IT!
So how does this all come together? Jews only? Would it be accurate to say that the Jews were the only party responsible for the death of Jesus? Does it therefore logically follow that today’s Jews, 20 generations later, are responsible for what their ancestors did? Or could it be that the first-century Jews were one of many responsible parties? Matthew 27:20-26 gives the account of the chief priests and rabbis persuading the crowd to ask for Barabbas and demand that Jesus be killed. The governor asked what should be done with Jesus. Their reply was, “Crucify him!” Again he asked, “What crime has he committed?” Their reply was the same. Pilate, realizing that he could not prevail, washed his hands before the people and said, “I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.” The crowd yelled back, “His blood be on us, and on our children.” Pilate was trying to convince the people to let Jesus go free, but politics stood in his way. Some of the more vocal and zealous Jewish people in the crowd played the loyalty-to-Caesar card, drawing into question Pilate’s allegiance to the Roman emperor. After all, Jesus spoke against Caesar. John 19:12 recounts, “And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews

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cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar’s friend: whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar.” Instead of releasing Jesus, a man whom he knew was innocent, Pilate gave the people a choice, then washed his hands of the matter. The crazed mob chose Barabbas. Rome’s guilt Under Roman rule, Israel was not allowed to exact capital punishment upon its citizens; therefore Jesus could not be judged according to Jewish law. The Jewish high priests wanted Him dead. In order to accomplish this, Jesus had to be brought before a Roman court. The religious leaders influenced the people to reject their Messiah, but it cannot be forgotten that it was the Gentiles who killed him. In this respect, the Romans had their part. Looking at it in present day terms, the one who places the hit is as guilty as the one who carries it out. In a court of law, both get Murder One. Spreading the guilt When Messiah came to the Jewish people, he was rejected. Jesus expressed in Luke 13:34-35: “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate: and verily I say unto you, Ye shall not see me, until the time come when ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.” Jesus related the coming judgment to the seriousness of their sin; however, not all of them rejected Him. Most people overlook the fact that the early church was comprised exclusively of Jews who had believed Jesus to be the Messiah. Acts 5:27-30 relates, “And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them, Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us. Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey

God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.” If this judgment was only for the Jews who rejected Jesus, was it also to the Gentiles who rejected Him? This is a critical point. Gentiles were as guilty of the crucifixion of Jesus as the ones who cried out for Barabbas. Acts 10 tells us of Cornelius, the first Gentile to whom the Gospel was preached and received. The Bible tells how Cornelius gladly received the word. He and his household were saved. But what of those who don’t receive it? Paul preached that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is preached and that all who believe are justified (declared innocent) from all things (Acts 13:3839). By accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior, a person is justified by His blood,

which becomes the atonement for sin (Romans 5:9-11). Conversely, all those who reject Him are guilty of His blood. The real reason for His death We cannot overlook Isaiah 53:10-11. It says, “Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin… by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.” Nor can we overlook John 10:18 in which Jesus tells Pilate: “No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.” John Sullivan, in a letter to ENDTIME, summarized it this way: “What drives the nail into the wood? The hammer, the

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PERSPECTIVE

Rabbi Daniel Cohen of the BMH-BJ Synagogue in Denver talks to the congregation as they gathered on March 7th at the synagogue’s entrance the day after swastikas were found painted on the wall. About 300 people of different faiths turned out to clean up the synagogue vandalized with Nazi symbols, which occurred ten days after the Lovingway incident on the eve of the Jewish holiday Purim. AP PHOTO/THE DENVER
POST, JOHN LEYBA

hand holding the hammer, the motion and force of swinging the hammer or the desire of the carpenter?” The Jews wanted Jesus dead. The Jews did it. The Romans put Him on the cross. The Romans did it. Our sins made it necessary. We did it. In Isaiah, God said that He was pleased to bruise the Son. The Father put His Son to death. Jesus said no man takes His life but He lays it down willingly. Jesus sacrificed Himself. The Jews killed Jesus? It doesn’t exactly tell the whole story. The true loving way Quick in response to the national furor created by Gordon, his denomination’s headquarters issued a definitive statement explaining that it does not now, nor has it ever in the past taught that the Jewish people as a race or nation are responsible for the death of Jesus Christ. “It is neither biblical nor logical to hold an entire people responsible for the crucifixion.” It continued, “Jesus’ death was for all mankind. Its message is one of love and forgiveness, offering freedom and hope to all people regardless of race, language or culture. Through His Spirit and the power of His Name all are included in the biblical statement that Jesus died ‘once for all’ (Hebrews 10:10). “Contrary to what has been expressed, our constituency is largely pro-Israel and accustomed to praying daily for Jerusalem. We wholeheartedly believe that the Jews were chosen of God to be His instrument to bring monotheism to the world. “We strongly disagree with any who would attempt to use the Cross and the suffering of Jesus as an excuse to justify anti-Semitism or any other form of racism or prejudice. If one would attempt to explain the reason for the death of Christ, he need look no further than Romans 5:8: ‘But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.’” This is the whole council of Scripture and the true way to share the good news with the world, especially to our Jewish friends – for these are the people to whom we are indebted for preserving the Holy Scriptures and giving us our Messiah. e

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SHARON’S DISENGAGEMENT PLAN
PROPHETIC IMPLICATIONS
What do we know for sure about the future course of events in the Middle East?
1. We know that the Antichrist and the world community will confirm a covenant with Israel for the final seven years prior to the Battle of Armageddon. This covenant refers to the covenant God made with Abraham that His seed would possess the land of Israel. 2. The Temple Mount will be shared between Jew and Gentile, a Jewish temple will be built and animal sacrifices will be instituted. This will all come to pass before the final three and one-half years. 3. Three and one-half years before Armageddon the Antichrist will claim sovereignty over the Temple Mount. This event is called the abomination of desolation in scripture. At this same time, terrible conflict will break out in the West Bank, the area of biblical Judea. Jews living in this area will have to flee for their lives. Many will be slaughtered. At the end of the final seven years, the United Nations will launch an invasion of Israel. This will ignite the Battle of Armageddon. When Israel is on the brink of defeat, Jesus will appear and fight for her. This will end the age of human government and begin the reign of the kingdom of God. The present situation The world community is more heavily involved in the Middle East than ever before. On April 30, 2003, it presented Israel and the Palestinians with a plan to finally bring peace to the Middle East. This plan, called the Roadmap for Peace, was formulated by the United States, the European Union, the Russian Federation and the United Nations. The Roadmap called for an end to terrorist activities, the dismantling of terrorist organizations, the cessation of hostilities, the establishment of a Palestinian state, mutual respect for holy sites, a negotiated solution to the status of Jerusalem and a resolving of all other issues by 2005. In June of 2003, the Palestinians and the Israelis officially signed on to the Roadmap. While signing, the Israelis emphasized repeatedly that they would not fulfill their obligations unless the Palestinians stopped terrorism and dismantled terrorist entities, the first steps required by the agreement. Mahmoud Abbas was the Palestinian prime minister at the time of the sign-

BY IRVIN BAXTER

ing. When pressed to stop terrorism and to disarm terrorist entities such as Hamas and the al Aqsa Brigade, Abbas openly said that he would not dismantle the terrorist organizations—even though the Roadmap that he signed specifically required it. After Abbas resigned in frustration because of being continually handcuffed by Arafat, a new prime minister, Ahmed Qureia, was appointed by Arafat. The world hoped that Qureia would be willing to bring terrorism under control. However, he soon announced that he would not attempt

Six months after trying and failing to kill Hamas founder and spiritual leader Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, Israel succeeded with a missile from a helicopter. On March 22nd, the man who made the goal of his life the destruction of the Jewish state was on the receiving end of a Jewish missile as he left a Gaza City mosque. The precise targeting, which also killed two of his sons and several of his bodyguards, took place hours after Israel warned it would be militarily downgrading Hamas’ terrorist capabilities. Fox News reported that all that was left of the blind, wheelchair-bound Muslim killer was his head. This photo was taken in September 2003 just after he was targeted by an Israeli warplane which fired a missile at a building in Gaza City minutes after Yassin had left it. He was slightly injured in the attack. In the photo, Yassin is seated, flanked by bodyguards. EPA PHOTO/EPA/MOHAMMED SABER

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to disarm the terrorists. He stated that to do so would cause civil war in the Palestinian territories. Unilateral disengagement It soon became obvious to Israeli Prime Minister Sharon and then to the world that the Palestinians wouldn’t or couldn’t fulfill the first step in the Roadmap for Peace. The plan was obviously a non-starter. Events went into a holding pattern while the suicide bombings and Israel’s reprisals to them continued. With no light at the end of the tunnel, Israeli morale began to suffer. Sharon knew that something had to be done... but what? On December 18, 2003, Prime Minister Sharon delivered an historic speech at the annual Herzliya Conference. In the speech, he announced his intention to build a security fence the entire length of the nation of Israel. He said that once the fence was completed, Israel would unilaterally withdraw from Gaza and from much of the area of Judea-Samaria. By withdrawing to the security fence, Israel would separate herself from the Palestinians with whom she could not make peace. Sharon was careful to say that the Roadmap would be better, but that the Palestinians were unwilling to disarm terrorism. Consequently the Roadmap could not be implemented. In the Herzliya speech, Sharon said that he had consulted with the United States about his unilateral disengagement plan. More recently, intense negotiations have been conducted between U.S. and Israeli diplomats. Sharon will travel to the United States as this issue goes to press in an attempt to reach total agreement with President Bush on

implementing the disengagement plan. In the meantime, the U.S. has urged the United Nations to endorse Israel’s unilateral engagement plan. The future How do we move from where we are today to the events prophesied for the future? • Confirmation of the covenant: If the UN signs on to the disengagement plan, then Israel will be proceeding with the approval of the nations of the world. Remember, the prophecies indicate that the world community will confirm Israel’s right to the land that God covenanted to Abraham. When they do, the final seven years to Armageddon will begin. We have to wonder if world community support for Israel’s disengagement plan could be the confirmation of the covenant spoken of in Daniel 9:27. • Temple Mount shared: Some people believe that Israel’s unilateral disengagement could break the present stalemate in the peace process and create conditions that would allow the eventual implementing of the world community’s Roadmap. Under the Roadmap, all outstanding issues between Palestinians and Israelis are to be permanently resolved. The most sensitive of these issues is control of the Temple Mount and the desire of Jews to worship there. Whether Israel’s disengagement plan appears to be a success or the peace process proceeds in another way, the status of the Temple Mount will eventually have to be dealt with. It is the general consensus that the only realistic solution to the Temple Mount, which both Muslims and Jews consider holy, is to share it. It is generally believed that such a sharing arrangement will have to be done under international supervision—meaning the UN. • The Third Temple: It is difficult to see how the building of Israel’s Third Temple will come to pass. However, it will happen because the Bible specifically says that it will. History teaches us that in times of global upheaval, developments previously thought impossible suddenly become acceptable. Consider this possible scenario. When the prophesied war that will kill one-third of mankind occurs, the

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renewal of religious devotion could become commonplace. The Jews contend that their Third Temple will be a “house of prayer for all nations,” not just for the Jews. The building of Israel’s Third Temple could be trumpeted as a source of religious unity for a battered and wounded world. Jews have not offered animal sacrifices in almost 2,000 years since they believe these should be done in their temple on the Temple Mount. Once their temple is rebuilt, animal sacrifices will be resumed. • Abomination of desolation: Anyone who has followed events in the Middle East knows that conflict between Jews and Arabs attempting to share the 35 acres of the Temple Mount is inevitable. When disputes arise, the world community and its leader will be called on to arbitrate. This is when the Antichrist will stand on the Temple Mount claiming authority there. Scriptures states that he will claim to be God. The actual words that he will use remain to be seen. • The great tribulation: Ariel Sharon claims that he will withdraw Israeli troops from all territories outside the proposed security fence. Many Jewish settlers living in this area called Judea contend that this territory is their promised land and that they will not leave their homes, even if Israel withdraws. In Matthew 24:15-21, Jesus said that those living in Judea would experience tribulation “such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.” Sharon’s unilateral withdrawal plan certainly seems to be setting the stage for the fulfillment of this prophecy. • Armageddon: The Battle of Armageddon will be triggered when the international community decides to invade Israel because it refuses to comply to some UN mandate. The issue could be final Palestinian-Israeli borders. It could be Israel’s refusal to surrender her nuclear weapons program. Whatever the premise, the armies of the world will invade Israel, pushing her to the brink of defeat. Then Jesus will appear in the clouds of heaven. He will defeat the armies of the Antichrist, and we will crown Him King of kings and Lord of lords! e

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COVERSTORY

“COINCIDENCES”OFTHE

EUROPEANFLAG
BY DR. SAMUELE BACCHIOCCHI

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ecember 8th is a very special day for Europe: in 1955, on that day, the European Ministers’ delegates officially adopted the European flag designed by Arsene Heitz, who today is an octogenarian artist in Strasbourg. Perhaps, not by coincidence, December 8th is the Feast of The Immaculate Conception of Mary our co-redeemer. The decision was taken following the 1950 European Council’s (one of the predecessors of today’s European Union) convocation of a competition to design the flag of the newborn European Community. Among many other artists, Heitz presented several designs, and one was chosen: 12 stars on a blue background.

Its Catholic origins The original idea for the blue European flag has a Roman Catholic origin. Paul G.M. Levi, professor at the Roman Catholic University of Leuven (Belgium) was a Jew but became a Roman Catholic. In 1949 he became director of the Cultural department of the Board of Europe. Six years later he came up (according to the leading German Newspaper Die Welt) with the concept of the European flag. Levi, fascinated by the holy virgin with the stars around her head, proposed to the Secretary General of Board of Europe, Earl Benvenuti, to choose the symbol of Mary. When the members of parliament agreed, Levi said: “How on earth is it possible? We just rediscovered the

introit of the new Mass of Mary’s Assumption!” The European Union’s flag’s 12 stars were inspired by the halo of 12 stars that appear around the Madonna in Catholic pictures of her. A former secretary general of the Council of Europe, Leon Marchal, affirmed that the stars are those of “the woman of the Apocalypse.” Enthusiastically he explained, “It’s wonderful that we have gotten back to the Introit of the new Mass of the Assumption. It’s the corona stellarum duodecim (the crown of the twelve stars) of the woman of the Apocalypse.” This is a reference to the woman in Revelation 12 who appears with a crown of 12 stars. The Catholic Church has always claimed that she represents the Virgin Mary, “the mother of God.” The EU, which now has 15 member countries, has confirmed that the number of stars will always stay at 12, which indicates that the stars do not represent countries. I quote from a leaflet, “Building Europe Together,” which was given to visitors to EU headquarters in Brussels: “The European flag (is) a shared flag, blue with 12 gold stars symbolizing completeness. The number will remain 12 no matter how many countries there are in

the European Union.” Artist reveals Virgin Mary was inspiration for design Recently Heitz revealed to a French magazine the reason for his inspiration. At that time he was reading the history of the Blessed Virgin’s apparitions in Paris’ Rue du Bac, known today as the Virgin of the Miraculous Medal. According to the artist, he thought of the 12 stars in a circle on a blue background, exactly the way it is

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represented in traditional iconography of this image of the Immaculate Conception. In the beginning, Heitz saw it as a flight of fancy, among the many that run through an artist’s imagination; but the idea caught his attention, to the point that it became the subject of his meditation. According to Javier Paredes, Professor of Contemporary History at the University of Alcala in Spain, in statements sent to ZENIT [Vatican-based news agency], “Heitz listens to God in his interior; in other words, he prays with his heart and his head. He says he is profoundly religious and devoted to the Virgin, to whom he never misses praying a daily Rosary, together with his wife. Because of this, he believes the inspiration came not only from his artistic talents, but from the silent voices that Heaven always speaks to men of good will, among whom Heitz can undoubtedly be numbered. He is an artist who, virtually at the end of his life and at the zenith of his career, can proclaim with the guarantee of authenticity that he recalls that moment, that he is interested in very few but very important things, that he regards himself as a man who loves the whole world, but especially the Blessed Virgin, who is our Mother.” Professor Paredes admits that “neither the stars nor the blue of the flag are particularly religious symbols, thus respecting the conscience of all Europeans, regardless of their beliefs.” Indeed, he recalls that “when Paul M.G. Levy, first director of the Press and Information Service of the European Council had to explain to the Members of the Economic Community the meaning of the design, he interpreted the number of 12 stars as a ‘figure of plentitude,’ given that in the 50s there

were not 12 members in that Council, nor in the European Community.” “However, in Heitz’s soul the words of the Apocalypse were very present: ‘A great sign appeared in the Heavens: a Woman clothed with the sun and with the moon at her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.’ And, perhaps without realizing it, the delegates of the European Ministers officially adopted the design proposed by Heitz on the feast of Our Lady: December 8, 1955,” explained Prof. Paredes. “That’s a lot of coincidences, so henceforth it should not be difficult for us to discover in the folds of the Europeans’ flag the smile and affection of Our Mother, the Queen of Europe, ready to lend a hand in that

On September 2, 1958 Archbishop Montini of Milan (the later Pope Pius XII) released on the mountain Serenissima a 20-meter high statue of Mary and called it “Our Beloved Lady, Ruler of Europe.” Pope Pius XII called Mary “ Mother of all Nations” and called on March 3, 1953 for a reunion of nations. Bishop Dr. Graber said on September 9, 1978: “ I’ve asked for a Marian European International…We pray and ask in silence that the western world one day will be as it was: an IMPERIUM MARIANUM.”
great challenge that St. Peter’s successor has proposed to us: to re-Christianize the Old Continent with the example of our lives and the testimony of our words.” Pan-European movement The Pan-European movement of Otto Habsburg wants a conservative and Roman Catholic Europe. In his book, The Social Order of Tomorrow, he writes: “Now we do possess a European symbol which belongs to all nations equally. This is the crown of the Holy Roman Empire, which embodies the tradition of Charlemagne, the ruler of a united occident... the Crown represents not merely the sovereignty of the monarch, but also the ties between authority and the people. True, it is the monarch who is crowned, but in this sacred act he appears as the representative of the whole people. It should therefore be considered whether the European head of state, as the protector of European law and justice, should not also become the guardian of a symbol which, more than any other, represents the sovereignty of the European community.” Dr. Habsburg wants to see Europe have an elected head of state — a man elected for life. This influence of both Charlemagne and the Habsburgs hangs

The European flag/Marian symbol appears on every license plate in the EU

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COVERSTORY

HOLY ROMAN EMPIRE 2004 Can the Antichrist and the
The European flag/ Marian symbol appears on every banknote in Europe. The EU’s two euro coin issued by the Vatican shows a portrait of Pope John Paul II and 12 stars.

False Prophet be far behind?
BY IRVIN BAXTER

heavily over the new federal Europe. The crown of Charlemagne, the first person to attempt to revive the Roman Empire in 800 AD, is an inspiration to those who promote the breaking down of nation states, and a Charlemagne prize has been established for those who work hardest for European unity. One who did was former President Clinton, who in June 2000, was the first American president to receive the Charlemagne prize for his work in promoting European unity. He received the prize at the cathedral in Aachen, Germany, where the first Holy Roman Emperor lies buried. Clinton called for an enlargement of the EU to even take in Russia. Reprinted with permission. e

Two major prophecies indicate
that the Holy Roman Empire will be the dominant force on earth at the time of the Second Coming of Jesus. We are witnessing a rebirth of the Holy Roman Empire right now. It’s important that we understand the difference between the Roman Empire and the Holy Roman Empire. The Roman Empire ruled the world from about 200 BC to approximately 300 AD. It was in power during the time of Jesus. That’s the reason there were Roman soldiers in Israel at the time of the crucifixion. The Holy Roman Empire wasn’t even born until 800 AD. At that time, Pope Leo III placed the crown on the head of Charlemagne pronouncing him Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. This union of church and state has ruled Europe off and on since then. The prophecies say the Holy Roman Empire will experience one more brief time of power immediately before the Battle of Armageddon. The first prophecy concerning the Holy Roman Empire is found in Daniel 2:31-45. In the image depicting all the world empires that will rule from the time of Babylon to the Second Coming, the Roman Empire is portrayed by the legs of iron. The Holy Roman Empire is symbolized by the feet of iron mingled with clay. The clay represents the religious element of the Holy Roman Empire. Another prophecy about the Holy Roman Empire is given in the New Testament in Revelation 17. There a woman is riding a seven-headed, ten-horned beast. The chapter explains that the woman is a city that exercises power over peoples, multitudes, nations and tongues. It also tells us that the city will sit on seven hills. Rome is the City of Seven Hills and is the headquarters for the Roman Catholic Church, which presides over its members in virtually every nation on earth. The beast sym-

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COVERSTORY

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bolizes the political power with which Catholicism will be in alliance. Both of these prophecies conclude with a union of ten kings fighting against Jesus at His Second Coming. In Daniel 2, the ten toes of the image represent the ten kings. Verse 44 states, “And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed...” In Revelation 17:12-14, we are told, “And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast. These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast. These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.” Both of these prophecies foretell an alliance between the political forces of the day and Roman Catholicism. In the Daniel 2 prophecy, the iron symbolizes the political forces, and the clay symbolizes Catholicism. In Revelation 17, the beast symbolizes the political forces, and the woman symbolizes Catholicism. Being revived now For over 50 years now, an effort to create a United States of Europe has been in progress. From 1957 to the present, great strides have been made toward the unification of Europe. All economic barriers have been abolished. A person can raise crops in one state and sell them in another just like we can do in the United States. All border checks between states have been eliminated. You can move your residence from one state to another freely without governmental permission. This unification endeavor will reach full fruition in 2004. Several major milestones will be reached by Europe this year. Ten new nations will join the Euro-

Daniel 2

Revelation 7

pean Union, bringing the total to 25 with a combined population of 455 million. (The U.S. has a population of 280 million.) A European president will be elected this year for the first time. The adoption of a European constitution is planned. A European military is being formed. Europe now has its own currency—the euro. The euro is already beginning to challenge the U.S. dollar for prominence in world currency markets. The Antichrist and the False Prophet Two men have always ruled the Holy Roman Empire—a political leader and a spiritual leader. This will be true once again in the last revival of this empire. Prophecy refers to these two endtime rulers as the Antichrist and the False Prophet. As we watch the dramatic developments of European unification this year, we can’t help but wonder—can the Antichrist and the False Prophet be far behind? e

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ENDTIME IMAGES

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EUROPEWATCH

KINGS&PAWNS I N T H E G A M E OF G LO B A L I Z AT IO N
There is a player upon the grand chessboard of globalization that is often overlooked by the average North American.
Even so-called “news buffs” tend to ignore the importance of this singular entity. Yet this player has demonstrated an extreme potency on the national and global political scene; and now, as has been the case for centuries, world leaders gingerly approach the high offices of this institution, seeking special blessings and paying homage to its longstanding position of “high-authority.” One of the primary reasons that the average Westerner fails to notice this institution is because it is predominantly viewed as a solely religious body. However, for almost two thousand years, it has arguably been the most dynamic political organization on the face of the globe. Yes, this organization is “religious,” and yes, it is political – some have even claimed that it’s the “perfect blend of politics and religion.” But no matter how it’s viewed, either

BY JAMIE BRENDAN
by the casual observer or by the most hardened political researcher, the fact remains that the Roman Catholic Church and its political/spiritual hub – Vatican City – is a geopolitical powerhouse that cannot be ignored. History has a funny way of being forgotten. When Constantine, the Emperor of Rome, granted religious freedom to the persecuted Christians in AD 313, it was much more than just an act of human compassion centered on “Christian conversion” – it was a shrewd political move meant to unify the Empire. And when Christianity became recognized as a Roman-state religion, Constantine was elevated as “head of the church” [Ed. Note: at the same time he was still the head of Roman paganism]. Through Constantine’s actions, the Roman Catholic Church was birthed as an institutionalized political-religious Roman alliance. Thus, via this morphed spiritual-governmental entity, Romanism remained alive in spite of the fact that the “national” Roman Empire fractured and collapsed. Ironically, even the name “Roman Catholicism” reflects this historical reality. “Catholic” means “universal,” Roman Catholicism literally means “Universal Romanism.” Today, the Catholic Church is the living and enlarged extension of Constantine’s political-religious experiment. And the experiment continues. Since the time of the Church’s beginnings until the present day, the Roman hierarchy has been involved in countless political intrigues. Speaking on the Vatican’s hand in world affairs, Avro Manhattan, a BBC commentator and expert on Vatican geopolitics, wrote in 1949, “This power of the Catholic Church to interfere in social and political spheres is rendered infinitely more dangerous by the fact that it is not limited to any given country: it reaches all countries in which there are Catholics. Thus there is no continent where the Pope cannot influence, to a greater or

The Vatican COREL WORDPERFECT SUITE, ACADEMIC EDITION, CLIPART PHOTO FILES.

Cover image from “Fathers of Europe” by Keyserlingk

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EUROPEWATCH

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The Vatican in World Politics

ous that the office of the Holy See has keen interest in the overall empowerment of the UN. As to European regionalism, the role of Roman Catholicism and the Vatican cannot be overlooked. Each of the three main “Fathers” of the present European Community — Alcide De Gasperi, Konrad Adenauer and Robert Schuman — had strong Catholic ties and defended the Church as an institution within the broader concept of a unified Europe. In fact, Schuman, who was head of the European Parliament, is now a candidate for Catholic sainthood, and the beatification of De Gasperi and Ade-



less degree, the social and political life of the community.” (The Vatican in World Politics, p.18) And Europe, of all the continents during the last one hundred years, has felt this hand the hardest – a hand that was directly involved in negotiating the Armistice of World War I, a hand that added authenticity to the Nazi regime of World War II (Pope Pius XII has accurately been described as “Hitler’s Pope”), a hand that perpetrated the slaughter of the Serbs during the German occupation of Yugoslavia (historian John Cornwell described it as an “attempt to create a ‘pure’ Catholic Croatia by enforced conversions, deportations, and mass exterminations…one of the most appalling civilian massacres known to history”), and a hand that has applauded the work of “world government,” the United Nations, and European unification. This “world government” and United Nations aspect is particularly striking. On April 6, 1951, Pope Pius XII made some interesting statements while addressing the Fourth Congress of the World Movement for World Federal Government, “Your movement, Gentlemen, has the task of creating an effective political organization of the world. There is nothing more in keeping with the traditional doctrines of the Church, or better adapted to her teachings on the rightful or unjust war, especially in the present world situation. An organization of this nature must, therefore, be set up…There, Gentlemen, is a vast field of work, study and action. You have understood this and looked it squarely in the face; you have the courage to give yourself to this cause. We congratulate you. We would express to you Our wishes for your entire success…” Pope Pius XII wasn’t the only Vatican voice to laud global governance. Speaking to the United Nations on October 4, 1965, Pope Paul VI reaffirmed the grand international design of the UN, “Your Charter goes further than this, and Our message advances with it. You exist and operate to unite the Nations, to bind States together. Let Us use this second formula: to bring the ones together with the others…Is there anyone who does not see the necessity of coming thus progressively to the estab-

lishment of a world authority, able to act efficaciously on the juridical and political levels? Once more We reiterate Our good wish: Advance Always!” Pope John XXIII made similar remarks in his Encyclical letter, Pacem in Terris, in April 1963. A special synod which convened as a result of the Second Vatican Council again offered support to the United Nations in 1971, remarking that it looked forward to the time in which the world community would be able to use an international police force in world affairs (Justice in the World, ¶65). Although the Vatican and the United Nations have been at odds over certain social issues, it’s obvi-

Pat Cox

SOURCE: EIB



...There is no continent where the Pope cannot influence... the social and political life of the community.”

nauer is also being examined. In a biography on these three “Fathers of Europe,” R.W. Keyserlingk – who was General Manager of the British United Press – explained that their larger motivation was “the sacrifice of absolute national sovereignty” within a “federated” political, economic and military alliance. Steps toward this European “sacrifice” of sovereignty was greatly advanced in 1957 by the signing of the Treaty of Rome, the official declaration which established the European Economic Community as a precurser to today’s European Union. Not surprisingly, five of the six signers of the Treaty of Rome had political and religious ties to Roman Catholicism, as did other leading figures during this important formative era. From the early years of European cooperation until today, the Vatican has vocalized its support and offered direction – and at times admonition — to the machinery of continental unification. When the Presidents of the Parliament of the European Union went

Enlarging the European Union pamphlet
EU OFFICE FOR OFFICIAL PUBLICATIONS

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EUROPEWATCH

Romano Prodi

SOURCE: EU OFFICE FOR OFFICIAL PUBLICATIONS

to the Vatican on September 23, 2000, Pope John Paul II greeted them by affirming that “my predecessors and I have lent our support to the great project of rapprochement and cooperation between the States and peoples of Europe.” The Pope also expressed his thoughts on the importance of “fundamental human rights” as detailed by the Council of Europe, and in particular, the

Schuman

SOURCE: EU OFFICE FOR OFFICIAL PUBLICATIONS

European Social Charter. This “Social Charter,” which was formulated by Jacques Delors, a social Catholic, had been addressed earlier when John Paul was visiting the Council of Europe in 1988. What is particularly interesting is that on both occasions, the Pope’s 1988 visitation and the pilgrimage of the EU Presidents to the Vatican, the Holy See emphasized the special role of “Christianity” – read Roman Catholicism – in developing the common spirit upon which European solidarity should be realized. This aspect of Roman social/political posturing cannot be underestimated. As part of setting up Vatican diplomatic channels within the emerging federated Europe, Rome established a Permanent Mission to the Council of Europe – the oldest and most established political unification entity on the continent. The Vatican also created the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Community, which ensured a continued interaction between European political players and the hierarchy of the Roman Catholic Church. Furthermore, through the power of national agreements and special long-term political arrangements, various arms of Roman Catholicism, such as the German Catholic Church, have been granted special political and economic privileges which can be found no-where-else. During the 2000 visit of Presidents to the Vatican, one item of paramount importance came up. The Pope, in welcoming the EU delegates, openly suggested that the time was ripe for the European Community to begin drafting a comprehensive European Constitution – a necessary step in solidifying the continent’s political integration. With the arrival of ten new members to the EU in May 2004, European leaders were given the task of fast-tracking a draft European Constitution. Understandably, the Vatican saw this as a prime opportunity to assert itself. But to Rome’s surprise, no church was asked to participate in the drafting of this vital document. Instead of participating at the Convention level, Rome had to privately lobby participating Catholic officials, including Valérie Giscard d’Estaing (President of the European Convention, the group in charge of drafting the constitution), Pat Cox (Presi-

dent of the European Parliament), and Joschka Fischer (German Vice-Chancellor), along with a host of Ambassadors and other leading figures. Various national Bishops’ Conferences were also put to work, applying pressure on a country-by-country basis. On July 19th, 2003, the draft Constitution was released in its “secular” form. Now, as Europe nears the 2004 expansion deadline, the Vatican is seeking to place wording within the finalized constitution that would reaffirm Europe’s “Christian heritage.” If this type of wording comes into play, it would grant Roman Catholicism a unique place within the political framework of a unified Europe. Already the President of the European Commission, Romano Prodi, has openly published in an Italian Catholic magazine his support for this constitutional Vatican tie-in. This blending of “politics and religion” within the Vatican/EU power structure was especially highlighted this past October in Ankara, the capital city of Turkey. According to Ankara television channel “TRT 2,” unnamed European Commission sources told Turkey that it would need Vatican approval for its long-term EU membership bid. Underlining this struggle is the fact that Islam is rapidly growing throughout Europe, and this faction, possibly combined with Turkey’s predominantly Muslim population, could challenge Rome’s unique “religious” position within the EU. Regardless of one’s thoughts on the “separation of church and state” – a distinctively American phenomenon – the fact remains that the Vatican’s strength as an international player cannot be denied. As one commentator recently stated, “even the most cynical politician knows that the Pope, with nearly one billion followers, wields remarkable power in world affairs.” The Roman Catholic Church, as a spiritual-governmental entity directly connected to the ancient Roman Empire, is the world’s oldest and most experienced political player. In the analogy of the “grand chessboard of globalization,” the position of the Holy See could be likened to the exceptionally skilled “king” who wields power and authority over the “pawns, bishops and rooks” of global governance. e

24 EN DTI M E MAGAZI N E MAY / J U N 2004

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GODINAMERICA

THE POLITICS AND RELIGION OF

HOMOSEXUALITY:
BY LIZ FREEMAN

KERRY SPEAKS

T

he ability to weave two mutually exclusive concepts into one position seems to be the mark of an excellent politician. While campaigning in Mississippi on March 7th, presidential candidate John Kerry stated, “I believe that marriage is between a man and a woman, but I believe it’s important in the United States of America that we recognize that we have a Constitution which has an equal protection clause.” Translated, the possible future president of the United States agrees with Webster’s Dictionary definition of marriage as being heterosexual. He also believes it should be homosexual. Despite the fact that the equal protection clause has been in the Constitution since its inception in 1789, while at the same time there have been laws on the books defining marriage as a union between one man and one woman, Kerry advocates homosexual marriage. His rationale: because it would be against the Constitution to not allow it. President Bush has now publicly supported a constitutional amendment to protect the institution of marriage. Kerry disagrees. “Well, I know the deep beliefs, I respect [them],” he said on March 7. “I’m a Christian, I’ve read the Bible, and I know you can find the clauses that go both ways.” The Bible teaches both heterosexual and homosexual marriage? Not so, John Kerry. Leviticus 20:13 reads, “If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall

surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.” God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah for the act of sodomy. The New Testament offers comments on the subject, too. For example, Romans 1:27: “And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.” Supreme Court rules against Boy Scout funding Kerry is not alone in his views, but is rather a drop in an ocean of pro-gay rhetoric and rulings. In a recent U.S.

Supreme Court ruling, the State of Connecticut was allowed to exclude the Boy Scouts of America from a state charitable program because of the Scouts’ policy which bars avowed homosexuals from leadership positions. This Supreme Court decision overturned a 2000 ruling in which the same court affirmed by a 5-4 vote the Scouts’ policy of excluding homosexuals from leadership. It stated that the organization had a constitutionally-based right to discriminate on the basis of “sexual orientation.” Connecticut officials claimed that the Boy Scouts violated state non-discrimination laws by excluding admitted homosexuals from leadership. Thus comes to an end the Scouts’ 30-year par-

Democratic Presidential hopeful John Kerry reacts to supporters and takes questions at Tougaloo College in Jackson, Mississippi on March 7th. EPA/JUDI BOTTONI

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GODINAMERICA
ticipation in the Connecticut State Employee Campaign Committee, which allows private groups to receive charitable donations through a voluntary payroll deduction program. In ruling against the Boy Scouts, the U.S. Supreme Court has set a precedent that threatens the First Amendment right to free association, as well as the right to free exercise of religion. Commenting on the situation, the Michiganbased Thomas More Law Center stated that the decision has “far reaching implications that could threaten the constitutional rights of religious-based organizations that seek to promote and preserve their organizational values, particularly with regard to the issue of homosexuality.” Through what amounts to economic sanctions, the ruling will likely force organizations to compromise their beliefs in order to receive needed funding. Richard Thompson, President of the Thomas More Law Center, said that this decision, as well as the Supreme Court’s recent ruling allowing the State of Washington to rescind a scholarship given to a Christian college student who majored in theology, is evidence of a “disturbing anti-Christian trend in the federal courts.” He said, “It suggests that the Supreme Court has taken sides in the culture war facing our nation.” Isn’t it a civil rights issue? Kerry’s orientation on the culture war is in line with the courts. “I’ve talked to enough people,” he said, “some of whom fought for their country in war. And I’ve talked to many who didn’t discover their own sexuality until they were 35, 40 years old. It wasn’t because they made a choice. It was because they found out who they were. And I think you have to respect that that is the nature of it.” This “they were born that way” logic guides those who equate the issue of homosexual rights with the issue of racial discrimination. It is a false comparison, however, as the two are mutually exclusive. Civil rights are not the concern. A person’s race is predetermined through genetics. No choice is involved. A civil rights argument applies only if you agree with Kerry’s assumption that homosexual people are born that way. Take this argument to the next level. Apply the same logic to thieves, liars, adulterers, pedophiles and murderers. Were they born that way? Or could it be that sin has invaded their lives? The Bible teaches that sin tempts and people yield to that temptation. Sin is addictive. Sin means choice. There are many sincere people who believe that homosexuals are in fact born that way. Regardless of your stance on this position, we can all agree that the antidote is the same. We were all born prone to temptation, and we all must be born again. This is the cure. CONCLUSION Luke 17 tells us that as it was in the days of Noah and in the days of Lot, so shall it be also in the days when the Son of man is revealed. Good will be seen as evil and evil as good according to Isaiah 5:20. Homosexuality will be rampant Jesus Christ has come to save His people from their sin. You don’t have to continue in homosexuality or any other sinful lifestyle. Jesus has the power to break the chains of sin from our lives and make us new creatures. I Corinthians 6:11 teaches that leading a sinful lifestyle can become a thing of the past. Notice the shift from past tense to present tense in the scripture: “And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” There is hope; you can be a new person. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” II Corinthians 5:17 e

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PERSPECTIVE: IN CORPORATE AMERICA
As a brother of like precious faith, I love listening to your daily broadcasts. I wrote President Bush shortly before he announced support for banning homosexual marriage, giving him Bible scripture for my views. While I am very pleased that he is supporting the biblical position on these issues in the political arena, I am concerned we are still losing the battle on an even bigger front. I am a manager of 20+ years for a very old and large U.S. corporation. Every year I see more and more subtle inferences supporting homosexual rights in the work place under the subterfuge of “diversity.” It is obvious to me, while Christians are focused on the political battle, the opposition is working through international pressure and the courts to force employees into acceptance through the use of economic sanctions. Our employees are required to report all EEOC violations (including those relating to sexual preference) or risk termination under a “Zero Tolerance” policy. Unfortunately, these same EEOC policies do not protect a Christian’s right to free speech. After all, the Constitution only protects us from our government, not our employer. I wonder, how much longer will I be allowed to work before I have to be a Daniel and refuse to bow the knee to the corporate antichrist? I am praying for the Lord’s intervention in our corporate boardrooms. —J.E.F.

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THE CHRISTIAN POSITION ON

HOMOSEXUALITY
BY IRVIN BAXTER

Should Christians be “gay bashers”?

Or should we open our arms in love, accepting homosexuals the way they are? The Christian position on any subject is determined by the teachings of the Bible. If we do not acknowledge the Bible as our final authority, we have destroyed the only basis for our Christian faith.
God did not change His mind in the New Testament concerning the sinfulness of homosexuality. However, the treatment of people involved in homosexual behavior did change. Death was the penalty in the Old Testament, but mercy was provided under the New Testament for all who would repent. Some Christians have thought that homosexuals cannot be saved, but this is not true. It is true that, when saved, a homosexual must renounce his homosexuality and begin a new life. In I Corinthians 6:9-10, the Apostle Paul comments on homosexuality, among other things: “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.” Paul is explicitly teaching that people who live in unrighteousness cannot enter the kingdom of God whether they be fornicators, liars, thieves or homosexuals. But now for the good news! Paul said in verse 11: “And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” It is obvious from this scripture that in the early Christian church there were ex-adulterers, ex-thieves and exhomosexuals. Can homosexuals change? Many people argue that homosexuals cannot change. “Once a homosexual, always a homosexual,” they say. But I have personally known homosexuals who have been saved and changed by Jesus Christ. To say that homosexuals cannot change is to deny that God’s power is adequate. If God is almighty, then He is able to transform the homosexual, the alcoholic, the adulterer or the drug addict. Those who say we must accept homosexuality as a normal lifestyle contend that homosexuals are born that way and do not become homosexuals by yielding to sinful influences. Does it then follow that child molesters are also

What does the Bible say? The word testament means “will”. The Old Testament is the old will of God. The New Testament is the new will of God. In the Old Testament the penalty for homosexual acts was death. Leviticus 20:13 states: “If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death.” However, we do not live under the Old Testament today, but under the New Testament. In the New Testament, Romans 1:27-28 speaks on the subject of homosexuality: “And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient.” It is obvious from this scripture that

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born and therefore must be accepted? How about rapists and kleptomaniacs? One homosexual said to me, “I’ve had these tendencies for a long time. I finally got tired of fighting them.” The truth is that all human beings are tempted to do wrong whether it is lying, adultery, stealing or homosexual acts. God’s Word teaches us that – “they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts” (Galatians 5:24). If we live after the flesh, we shall of the flesh reap corruption (Galatians 6:8). The “if it feels good, do it” crowd has given us broken homes, ruined schools, drug addiction, crowded jails, AIDS and a nation in severe decline. We desperately try one new social program after another while things go from bad to worse. The problems seem to have no answer! The only thing that does hold an answer to our massive problems is the one thing we refuse to try. There is not one problem plaguing America today

that a return to Christian principles would not solve. Love your enemies, do good to them that despitefully use you, and it’s more blessed to give than to receive doesn’t play too well alongside – Looking Out for Number One and Winning Through Intimidation. An infamous Roman judge named Pontius Pilate cynically asked a rejected Jewish teacher 2,000 years ago, “What is Truth?!” The answer was then as it is today. Jesus replied, “I am the way, the truth and the life.” To the homosexual I want to say – God loves you as much as He loves anybody. Like any other sinner you must repent of your sins, be born again, and begin to walk in the footsteps of the model man, Jesus Christ. He came to earth to teach us to live in peace and harmony. He then voluntarily died in our place to pay the price for sin. And He says to us all – “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” e

PERSPECTIVE: OFFENSIVE GOSPEL

San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom stands between newlyweds, Cissie Bonini, left, and Lora Pertle, during a reception at San Francisco City Hall, Friday, February 13. Opponents of gay marriage failed to stop an extraordinary act of ongoing civil disobedience in San Francisco, where, under the direction of the newly elected mayor, the city began issuing marriage licenses to hundreds of gay couples in defiance of state law. AP PHOTO/ERIN LUBIN

As a mother of boys, I hate it that their innocence is lost so early in this country. There’s no reason why my little boys should have to grow up knowing what homosexuality is at such a young age. But they do. When I was in undergrad school in the late ‘70’s, early ‘80’s, I was a Music Theatre/Communications major. Older homosexual men (most in their 30’s and 40’s) in the community would flock to the fine arts building at Wichita State to prey on the freshmen boys. They bought them clothes, jewelry and cars in exchange for “companionship”. Most of these young boys were virgins, and, at that time, AIDS was yet unknown. What I saw was that these young boys’ first sexual experience was with a guy and that really messed their heads up – not to mention what it did to them spiritually. I also had to work with and go to class with these guys. I acted with them on stage. I would ask them all the time why were they gay when they had access to so many gorgeous young women? Most of them had no answers, but one thing I did observe was that either: they had a terrible relationship with their father or both parents; they had no father or grew up without one; their first sexual experience was sexual abuse or sex with a same-sex partner at a young age; or they were abused as a child by their parents. The choir director at the Presbyterian Church where I played the organ was a homosexual. Most of the choir in a nearby Methodist church was homosexual. I left the theatre because of the blatant perversion I had to deal with all the time. Even though I wasn’t wholeheartedly serving the Lord, I just knew I couldn’t associate with it anymore. I am thankful that there are still people who fear God more than man. The gospel is offensive; God knows that. It’s not inclusive. It’s exclusive! —K.A.

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7000

WILL DIE IN JERUSALEM
BY IRVIN BAXTER
n February 10, 2004, seismologist Yaakov Heichal warned a joint session of the Israeli Knesset that between 5,000 and 10,000 people would probably die if an earthquake hit Israel. Less than 24 hours later, an earthquake that was a moderate-heavy 5 on the Richter scale rocked the nation. This quake was not strong enough to inflict significant damage, but it did crack the walls of the Knesset where the earthquake warning had been issued the day before. This mild earthquake was undoubtedly a warning from God concerning the “big one” that is prophesied to come.

EARTHQUAKE

An earthquake rips the Temple Mount in half.

O

city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.” Another prophecy confirms that a mighty earthquake will occur at the time of Armageddon. Zechariah 14:4 “And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a

very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south.” One of the greatest faults in the world, the African Rift, runs through the nation of Israel. When the time comes, the earth’s plates in this fault will shift and the prophesied quake will take place. Will this earthquake really happen? Absolutely! The seismologist said so on February 10th and the Bible said so 2,000 years ago. You can count on it. e

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The Prophecy The briefing at the Knesset projected that 5,000 to 10,000 people would die in a future earthquake. A 2,000-year-old prophecy in the Bible states that 7,000 will die in an earthquake that will hit Jerusalem. Revelation 11:8-13 prophesies the earthquake for the time of the Battle of Armageddon. Verse 8 tells us that the earthquake will take place in Jerusalem where Jesus was crucified. “And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.” Verse 13 tells us how many will die. “And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the

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Editorial continued from page 4 amendment to be used to banish Bibles from schools, the Ten Commandments from Courthouses and “under God” from the Pledge of Allegiance? The answer is apparent. In a January 1801 magazine article, twelve years after writing the amendment, Fisher Ames expressed concern that as more and more textbooks were being introduced into schools, the Bible might someday drift to the back of the classroom. He warned that this could never be allowed in America. He said, “The Bible is the source of sound morality and behavior in America, and we must never let it be separated from the classroom.” Yet those who would banish the recognition of God from all public life do so in the name of the author of the First Amendment who said that the Bible must always be the primary textbook of America’s schools. Talk about rewriting history! Founding Fathers on religion in public life Benjamin Rush, a physician and signor of the Declaration of Independence: Rush wrote in an education policy paper in 1791 over a dozen reasons why the Bible must never be taken out of the schools in America. He warned of the consequences of removing the Bible from classrooms. “In contemplating the political institutions of the United States, I lament, that we waste so much time and money in punishing crimes and take so little pains to prevent them.” Founding father Noah Webster: Here is what Webster wrote in one of his textbooks: “All the miseries and evils which men suffer from vice, crime, ambition, injustice, oppression, slavery, and war proceed from their despising or neglecting the precepts contained in the Bible.” President John Adams: In an address to the military on October 11, 1798, Adams said there was no government in the world large enough to force people to do something against their will. “We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. Our constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” George Washington’s Farewell Address: “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars.” Washington then went on to remind Americans to continue to reject any notion that claimed one can be moral without religion. “Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds, reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.” religion, not to banish God and religion from government. America was built on the foundation of being under God and our law was based on the Ten Commandments. Can we totally remove our original foundation without destroying the great nation that we all love? Obviously not. Can we forbid the acknowledgement of God without losing the unalienable rights that flow only from Him? Of course not. Is it possible to outlaw the teaching of creationism in our schools, while allowing the teaching of evolution, without sending the message that the Bible’s account of creation is untrue and therefore the Bible itself is untrue? If we are honest, we know we cannot. Yet, do we want a nation where our form of religion is mandated by the state? None of us want that. So what is the answer? The only answer to the dilemma in which America presently finds herself is to acknowledge the plain truth. America was founded on God; American law was based on the Ten Commandments; and our founding fathers built our entire system of government on Christian principles. For this we should not apologize. But then how do we treat those who choose not to be Christian or to believe in God at all? We should follow the teachings of Jesus Himself. He said that we should love those who hate us. We should bless those who curse us. And we should do good to those who despitefully use us. We should not pass laws against atheism. We should not outlaw being a Buddhist or a Muslim. On the other hand, we should not allow those who do not share the foundational Judeo-Christian values that have made this nation great to outlaw our acknowledgement of our Creator. The day we do, we will lose our unalienable rights, and America will no longer be America. The person or nation that stands for nothing will fall for anything. One nation under God? Absolutely! e

The above statements show conclusively that the founding fathers never intended for the First Amendment to eliminate all acknowledgement of God from government. What then was meant by the phrase: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof? Our forefathers had come from England where the Church of England was the state religion. They came to America, first and foremost, so that they could worship freely without the dictates of the state. Therefore, they did not want state interference in the religious choices of the people. The First Amendment was adopted to keep government out of

EN DTI M E MAGAZI N E JAN / FEB 2004

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D A R K I NTE NTI O N S
INSIDE THE MIND OF THE ANTICHRIST

WORLD EVENTS FROM A BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE

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