Category Archives: Terrorism

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching, Terrorism

Israel at War: How to Pray

War is serious business and when it is in the Middle East, the stakes are very high. Its central location, oil reserves, long history and various theologies, and inter-connectedness with the rest of the world, mean that conflict can affect everyone. If the world were a stick of dynamite, the Middle East would be the fuse.

Despite the dire challenges there is great hope. Never forget this reality: prayer is far more powerful than military might. Bowls in heaven are filled with the prayers, praise, worship, and thanksgiving of the saints (Revelation 5:8). The more you fill those heavenly bowls, the more there will be an overflow that will rain blessings on the earth.

People of faith and goodwill want to pray about the current, and future, crises in the Middle East. This short essay will give you some prayer points

BACKGROUND

Here are a few things to consider before you pray:

  • Arabs and Jews are cousins and neighbours. Historically they had harmonious relations and, by God’s grace, they can have them again. With two million Arab inhabitants each in Israel, the Gaza Strip, and the West Bank, plus 350,000 in Jerusalem, a rocket attack on Israel can mean Arab casualties, too. Rockets have landed in Abu Ghosh, Jaffa, and Lydda, all with Arab populations.
  • This is much more than a nationalist war; it is a clash of civilisation between the Judaeo-Christian world and the secular woke left-Islamist world. Terrorism is one of the manifestations. The terrorist attack experienced by Israel can be exported and the US, UK, and Europe are already targets; the goal is to bring down Western civilisation.
  • The real enemy is not the ones that you can see, but those you can’t. There are powerful spiritual forces that manipulate the entire situation, including the prince of Persia (Daniel 10:13,20). Only the Bible-based, Spirit-filled and empowered believer has the authority and power to deal with these entities (2 Corinthians 10:4-5), in the name of Jesus.

Prayer Points

  • LIMITED DURATION: Pray for a miraculously quick end to the violence and war.
  • CIVILIANS: Pray for the Psalm 91-style protection of innocent civilians on both sides, especially women and children and the safe release of the surviving hostages. May God grant all of them peace of heart and mind.
  • CONTAINED CONFLICT: Pray that this conflict does not spread to a multi-front war. May Lebanon, Syria, Arab citizens of Israel, West Bank and East Jerusalem Arabs remain safely on the sidelines.
  • OVERCOME HATE: Pray for the overcoming of the spirit of intense demonic hate, particularly anti-Semitism, which is the oldest and most irrational hatred in the world. 
  • LEADERS: 1 Timothy 2:1-2: First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. Pray that leaders will do God’s will and walk in His wisdom, so all of us can live quiet and peaceful lives. These leaders are in Jerusalem, Gaza, Ramallah, Beirut, Cairo, Amman, Damascus, Ankara, Moscow, Beijing, Tehran, London, Brussels, Washington, Canberra, and Ottawa. 
  • SPIRITUAL WARFARE: Put on the whole armour of God (Ephesians 6:10-18) and bind up the ‘prince of Persia’ (Iran) attempts to undermine, subvert, steal, kill and destroy. Remember praise, worship, and singing in the Spirit are highly effectual in spiritual warfare 2 Chronicles 20:22; 1 Corinthians 14:15.
  • DELIVER US FROM EVIL: This key clause in the Lord’s prayer should be our anthem. May we and the Middle East be delivered from intense and demonic wickedness. This can be accomplished when God’s will is done and His glory revealed.
  • PRAY FOR THE PEACE OF JERUSALEM (Psalm 122:6). It is the city of the great king (Psalm 48:2; Matthew 5:35). This means it is the location of David’s throne, from where Messiah will rule and reign on His return. The fact that God is placing His king on the holy hill of Zion is a cause of great turmoil for the nations (Psalm 2). The peace of Jerusalem blesses all the inhabitants of the land and makes the city ready to receive the king.

PRAYER AND DECLARATION

Heavenly Father,

We come to you in faith through the Name of Jesus.

We lift up the deadly situation in the Middle East and ask that you will limit and quickly stop the conflict. Put a divine hedge around the violence so that it does not spread beyond the original parties. We bind the spirit of hatred and anti-Semitism and release the spirit of God’s love. We pray for key leaders near and far that they may walk in your will and wisdom, changing the outcome of this conflict into peace and tranquillity. 

We denounce the spiritual forces that are pulling the puppet strings. By our Scriptural authority in Christ (Matthew 16:19; 18:18), we bind up the prince of Persia and renderer inoperative his plans to control, manipulate, steal kill and destroy.

Above all, according to your word, we pray for the peace of Jerusalem, the city of God, the city of the great king.

All of these things we pray and seal in the mighty and matchless Name of Jesus. Amen

DECLARATION  

I declare:

God’s love will conquer hate;

Christ’s light will overcome the darkness;

God’s life will cancel out the covenant and culture of death;

The Lord’s peace will replace fear and war;

God’s protection will save the vulnerable;

All Israel (Romans 11:26), and its neighbours, shall be saved.

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching, Terrorism

Israel at War: What Does It Mean For Us All?

 

It started off as a quiet morning, which it should have been considering it was the sabbath day and the end of the high holy days. These days include a time of communal fasting on the Day of Atonement, known as Yom Kippur. Then from fasting, the Jewish people go to the festive ‘Simchat Torah,’ rejoicing in the law. There is dancing and celebrating in the synagogues because God gave the law to Moses (Note: why don’t believers in Jesus match Jewish enthusiasm for the law? See Philippians 4:4).

Around 6:00 AM on Saturday, October 7, 2023, a surprise attack was launched against southern Israel. The invader was the Hamas regime which rules the highly-populated Palestinian coastal enclave known as the Gaza Strip. The invaders attacked by land, air (hang gliders), and sea, while thousands of rockets rained down on the Jewish state.

Once invaded, Hamas targeted the Israeli communities near the Strip. They raided homes, butchered men, women, and children, beheaded babies and kidnapped many others. Hamas attacked the attendees of a music festival and slew two-hundred and sixty of them, including many foreigners. One hundred were slain at a farming kibbutz near the border. The dozens of kidnapped Israelis, of all ages, were taken as hostages to Gaza. Some were shamefully abused and paraded in public. Rapes and murders were videoed and posted on social media, adding incalculable pain to already bereaved families.

The deliberations were short: the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared war on Hamas. With Israel at war, what does it mean for the region and the world?

Going Deeper

The Hamas attack on southern Israel occurred one day after the fiftieth anniversary of the outbreak of the Yom Kippur War of 1973. This, too, was a surprise attack on a Jewish holy day by the armies of Egypt and Syria. This war could have brought the world to a ‘nuclear armageddon,’ including a worldwide US military alert. For three days, Israel was losing badly; Prime Minister Golda Meir telephoned US President Richard Nixon for an emergency airlift of military hardware. When Nixon demurred, Golda implied that, without American assistance, Israel would lose the ‘third temple’ and have no choice but to use the ‘nuclear option’ – literally. The prodding worked; Nixon sent the planes and changed the course of the war. At the end of three weeks of fighting, the price tag Israel paid was $4 billion and 2,500 deaths.

What is the significance of the 2023 Hamas surprise attack on Israel? With at least 1,300 dead (a number that is sure to rise), and 2,800 wounded, Israel experienced the highest death toll of Jewish people in a single day since the Holocaust. Hamas was the first entity to capture and hold Israeli territory – briefly – since the 1948 war. It was indisputably the biggest terrorist attack in the Jewish state, making it Israel’s ‘9-11,’ if not ‘Pearl Harbour.’

Even more puzzling was that this surprise attack happened under the leadership of Benjamin Netanyahu. Israel’s longest-serving Prime Minister is known for his counterterrorism expertise and tough-guy approach to terrorism. Terrorist incidents tended to be less under his watch than other prime ministers. But not now. Perhaps the relentless, lengthy, months-long, protests against his proposed judicial reform legislation have drained and distracted him. Israel’s vaunted security sector and intelligence agencies were caught flat-footed as well.

Yet, there were prescient voices foreseeing a conflict at this very time. In Signs Of Possible War In September-October, Yigal Carmon wrote on August 31st the following: ‘Lately, there have been growing indications that a war against Israel may break out in September or October 2023. The trigger may be spiralling violent clashes resulting in many casualties, or the use of new weapons leading to many fatalities on the Israeli side, in the face of which Israel will be unable to suffice with its regular counterterrorism measures.’ Carmon adds that while neither Hamas nor Hezbollah want a comprehensive war at this time, the situation could spiral out of control.

What motivated Hamas to strike? According to their Charter, their goal is the dismantling of the State of Israel. Heavily funded and guided by Iran, Hamas is its Palestinian proxy and dutifully does the bidding of the Islamic Republic. With the Abraham Accords bringing peace treaties between Israel and four Arab countries, and Saudi Arabia talking seriously about normalisation with the Jewish state, Iran would dearly love to be the spoiler. What better way to crash the party than by an attack by Hamas.

Remember Hamas, founded in 1987 early in the first intifada (uprising) against Israel (1987-1993), is the Palestinian branch of the Muslim Brotherhood, the oldest and largest Islamist organisation in the world. While claiming to be non-violent, the Brotherhood is the inspiration for many terrorist organisations. Hence, there is a theological/eschatological element to their motive. The Brotherhood is banned in many Arab nations.

Who is to Blame?

Of course, Hamas is to blame for launching a murderous, barbarous, and unprovoked ISIS-style attack against Israel. But what caused them to act so audaciously, knowing full well their invasion would trigger a fiery response? Here are some possibilities:

  • The anti-Netanyahu judicial reform protests, which lasted for months, with Israeli military reservists refusing to show up for duty, sent the wrong message to Israel’s enemies: the Jewish state is divided, weak and vulnerable. The unprecedented politicisation of Israel’s military was a dangerous move.
  • The Gilad Shalit hostage deal of 2011, where a single Israeli soldier was freed from five years of Hamas captivity in exchange for 1,027 Palestinian prisoners by Israel. The Shalit deal may have set a bad precedent, possibly causing the current hostage crisis.
  • Ariel Sharon’s unconditional and unilateral Gaza disengagement of 2005, where twenty-one Israeli settlements and eight thousand settlers were evacuated by the strip and handed over to the Palestinian Authority (PA). Two years later Hamas snatched the territory from the PA in a violent coup and has ruled it with a rod of iron ever since.
  • There is a strong consensus that the main motivator for conflict is Iran. The Islamic Republic has hegemonic ambitions in the Middle East and is often credited for being the hidden hand behind all turmoil in the region. The $6 billion released by the current US administration in September is credited with funding and inspiring the invasion from Gaza. The Daily Wire on 7 October wrote: ‘[One] month ago Trump predicted the $6 Billion that Biden gave Iran would be used for terror attacks across the Middle East and specifically kidnapping,” conservative Jack Posobiec captioned a screenshot of Trump’s prediction on X. “This is exactly what we are seeing in Israel this morning.”
  • During the time of the Bible, Gaza was part of the ‘land of the Philistines,’ Israel’s historic enemy. Rivalry and hostility emanated from that part of the country, especially during the reigns of Saul and David. As Ecclesiastes says, ‘There is nothing new under the sun’ – Ecclesiastes 1:9

Remember that the core of the Zionist dream was to establish a Jewish state in Palestine where the Jews could defend themselves from anti-Semitic Gentiles. So while the Hamas invasion revealed Israel’s governmental and intelligence failure, it also unleashed the instinct to hit back hard. Over three hundred thousand reservists have been called, the largest mobilisation in the nation’s history. Already Israel has installed a blockade of food, water, and power from going into Gaza in order to weaken Hamas.

What Does It For Us All?

In this unfolding drama, there are moves towards an Israeli unity government but one thing is for sure – Israel is on a total war footing. In previous wars with Gaza, the goal was containment; this time it is the total overthrow of the Hamas regime. 

Yet the price of regime change could be frightfully high. While aerial bombings over Gaza can soften up the enemy, only a ground offensive can capture territory. The Gaza Strip, with two million people squished into territory forty-three kilometres by six kilometres in dimension, is one of the most densely populated places on earth. The city itself can be booby-trapped and the death count on both sides will potentially be high. 

In addition, there is the danger that the conflict will grow into a multi-front regional war with Hezbollah in Lebanon, Iran from Syria, the potential involvement of the PA in the West Bank, and even East Jerusalem and Arab citizens of Israel.

While this may seem to be a conflict confined to Israel and its neighbours, the strategic location as the land bridge between Africa and Eurasia, oil, and theology (yes-theology), means it has ramifications for the wider world. Like the war between Russia and Ukraine, the widening of the Israel-Hamas conflict could morph into a larger war, with the dreaded possibility of a shower of missiles or weapons of mass destruction, be they nuclear or electromagnetic-pulse (EMP). With a mighty push, a regional war can go global.

Conflict in the Middle East can affect oil prices and stock market rates. The interconnected global economy can spread these changes very quickly.

A Word About Prophecy and Prayer

Then there is the underappreciated yet highly consequential theological component. Matthew 24:6 says we will hear of wars and to be not troubled when we do. Key prophecies about end-time wars against Israel include Psalm 83, Ezekiel 38-39, and Zechariah 12,14 (Armageddon). We will look at these separately in our next teaching letter. 

We should all ‘stay awake’ and become prophecy watchers (Mark 13:32-37); we also need discernment to separate the true from the false. Regarding the accurate interpretation of prophecy, take note of the place names written in the Bible and make sure your interpretation of them is correct. 

Pray for the protection of Jewish and Arab civilians; the leadership on both sides (1 Timothy 2:1-4); and for a quick, even supernatural end to this conflict. Above all, pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6): those who do shall prosper. 

Intercessors will save the world! They did so in the British war effort during World War II, they did so at other times in history. They will do so again. Let’s join them.

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching, Terrorism

TURKEY IN TURMOIL

Oh, No! Another Coup? It was a horrible sense of deja vu. In 1960, 1970, 1980, and a soft postmodern version in 1997, Turkey had military coups. It was the Turkish government’s worse nightmare. Then, on 15 July 2016, it looked like Turkey was experiencing yet again another coup. This time, however, it failed. The toll, however, was high, with 290 people killed and 1,440 wounded.
The Inevitable Crackdown: With great rapidity, the government of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan took strong action in a matter of hours and days to stamp out the ‘coup virus.’ Consider these statistics (courtesy of Incontext Ministries):
•   22,000 people in education suspended;
•   9,000 in the military arrested;
•   2,700 in the judiciary arrested;
•   50,000-60,000 government employees dismissed.
A 3-month state of emergency has been declared in Turkey, giving President Erdogan sweeping powers. The purpose of the emergency, so the government says, is to ‘preserve freedom and democracy.’
Turkey is in turmoil. And this is bad news … not just for Turkey … not just for the Middle East … but also for the world. Why?
Turkish Secularism – Under Threat? Turkey has had three constitutions (1924, 1961, 1982) and all of them have stated that Turkey is a secular, democratic republic. This secular, western-leaning outlook came courtesy of the founding father of the Turkish Republic, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk (1881-1938). Ataturk, one of the most successful revolutionaries in modern times, took the feudalistic backward Ottoman dominated nation and yanked it from the dark ages to the 20th century. His secular legacy is highly appreciated by many modern Turks to this very day. Turkey’s secularism has been held up as a role-model for other Muslim-majority nations; however, the current instability iis clearly a setback for reformists Muslims everywhere.
A secular, western, democratic Turkey helps preserve the balance of power in the Middle East.
Part of the reason the military took over in Turkey in the previous occasions was because secularism and democracy were under threat. Once the takeover was complete and everything settled down, the country was handed back to civilian democratic rulers.
Military coups are the antithesis of democracy and for this reason many countries condemned this coup attempt. Yet the failed plotters, if they were given a microphone, would probably say that democracy was already under threat in Turkey and that’s why they felt the need to step in.
The ascendancy of Erdogan in 2003, along with his Justice and Development Party (AKP), began to change this unswerving commitment to secularism. Erdogan is an Islamist more than a secularist, even though he continues to give verbal allegiance to Kemalist secularism. He still publicly supports Turkey’s application to join the (secular) European Union, though with less enthusiasm than before. Nevertheless, key areas of society – the military, academic, NGOs, and the media – have been under great scrutiny and pressure by the AKP. The hysterical reaction to popular protests, plans for an executive presidency, a shaky economy and risky foreign policy (e.g. Syria), have the Turkish secularists worried.
Watch Turkey: This service has been saying for years to ‘keep your eyes on Turkey.’ Why? Its history, heritage, location, make it a powerbroker unlike any other. Turkey holds the balance of power in the Middle East and as long as it stays secular, there will be a degree of stability. That’s why Turkey is important to the world. But if this nation heads down the road of political Islam, it will upset the balance of power and the tremors will be felt worldwide.
Two trends to watch:
1. Will Turkey go down the Islamist road (not if the millions of Turkish secularists have their way);
2. Will there be a neo-Ottoman empire in the future? Former Prime-Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu spoke his neo-Ottoman ambition to ‘reintegrate the Balkan region, Middle East and Caucasus… together with Turkey as the centre of world politics in the future.’
When Turkey is stable, so is the region. But, as it appears, Turkey is unsettled, then others will be, too.
The Syrian Gamble: Turkey took a gamble when it decided to get involved in the Syrian civil war, with the goal of trying to unseat President Bashar al Assad. They allowed would-be jihadists to cross their territory from Istanbul Airport to the Syrian land border; it gave clandestine support to the so-called Islamic State, then refugees began to flow from Syria into Turkey. Some estimate 2 million Syrians are present in the nation. Then Turkey allowed the migrants to go from its territory into Europe, and then the EU responded with a deal to give Turkey money, visa-free travel, and accelerated EU Admissions talks, for its cooperation in stemming the flow.
Turkey continues to have unrest with the Kurds. Prior to the coup attempt, there have been several sensational terrorist incidents in Ankara and Istanbul, culminating in the attack on Ataturk International Airport (you cannot even walk into the terminal building without going through security twice, however the terrorists detonated outside the building and in the ensuing chaos were able to enter inside and detonate some more).
Turkish Leadership: Turkey has been wired for leadership over the millennia. The Anatolian Peninsula (Asia Minor) hosted the Hittite and Byzantine Empires. The Turks originated in Central Asia and migrated to Asia Minor 1,000 years ago. They led the Seljuk Empire and later the 600 year long Ottoman Empire, dominated North Africa, the Middle East, and SE Europe, while their sultan became the ‘Caliph’ of Islam. The empire collapsed after World War I and was replaced by Ataturk’s secular Turkish Republic. Turkey has become a valued ally of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and recently restored full diplomatic relations with Israel. Erdogan admitted earlier this year that Turkey and Israel need each other.
Other Nations Affected: Already, the Turkish backlash is affecting other countries like Azerbaijan, Armenian, and Turkmenistan. These are Turkic nations, formerly in the USSR, and part of Turkey’s ethnic and linguistic heritage. Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have had the same leaders since independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 and want to enshrine family members into the high echelons of power. Like Turkey, these nations are endeavouring to have centralisation and security crackdowns to ensure stability and protect them from jihadist threats. Indeed, they are taking their cue from Turkey.
All the recent turmoil has weakened Turkey, despite the governmental crackdown. This is bad news for the region. Again we ask: Will Turkey stay secular and western-leaning or will it go Islamists and neo-Ottoman?

Watch this space.
Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching, Terrorism

TERROR IN ORLANDO: Making Sense Out of the Senseless

It is a popular destination and place of entertainment. Indeed, Disney World is nearby, attracting holiday-makers worldwide. Yet on the weekend of June 11-12, 2016, Orlando, Florida USA went from being a place of fun to a place of terror.
On June 11th, Christina Grimmie, a 22 year old American songwriter, singer, and contestant on NBC’s ‘The Voice,’ was gunned down in Orlando by 27 year old Kevin James Loibl, while signing autographs for her fans. She was a committed Christian who ‘loved Jesus’ and ‘the Bible.’ Her brother Marcus, who tackled the gunman before he shot himself, may have saved more lives.
Then at 2:00 A.M. on Sunday morning, 12 June, Omar Mir Seddique Mateen, a 29 year old twice-married, New York born US citizen of Afghani descent, went into The Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando. A former security guard who legally purchased weapons in the previous fortnight, Mateen was well-armed and well-prepared for what he was about to do. Despite having a shooting exchange with police, Mateen single-handedly was able to take hostages and go on a killing spree for three hours. By the time the police SWAT team stormed the nightclub and killed Mateen, 50 people were dead and another 50 plus wounded. Many of the victims were Latinos.
Mateen’s crime was the worse mass shooting in US history and the biggest terrorist attack since September 11th. Before that, the 2007 shooting rampage at Virginia Tech by Seung-Hui Cho was the worse shooting crime. Thirty-two people were killed. Adam Lanza killed 26 people at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut in 2012, of which 20 were 6 and 7 year old. Also George Hennard in 1991 rammed his car through a cafe wall in Killeen Texas and killed 23 people. As you can see, these last three crimes had nothing to do with religious extremism.
The Orlando shootings have received worldwide attention, condemnation, and sympathy. US President Barack Obama denounced it as a ‘hate crime,’ extended special condolences to the LGBTQ community, and ordered US flags at Federal Buildings to be lowered to half mast until Thursday evening. The Vatican, Indian Prime Minister Moti, Chinese President Xi Jinxing, and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, where quick to offer condemnations and sympathy. Muslim leaders also condemned Mateen’s actions, including Afghani President Muhammad Ashraf Ghani and Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. America’ s prime Islamic lobby group, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), issued a stinging denunciation of their own. Executive Director Nihad Awad ‘You do not speak for us. You do not represent us. You are an aberration.’ 
What are we to make of the sensational but senseless killings in Orlando?
1.    Note the nature of our world: We are in a fallen world. Sin and death have been waging a reign of terror throughout human history. A fallen world is devoid of true justice, true peace, and true harmony. Bad things can happen to good people and good things can happen to evil people. The Bible takes all this into account, promises the coming of a ‘new heaven and new earth,’ but it also offers God’s higher way for those who are willing to pay the price.
2.    Note the nature of our times: As I have been saying for some time, we need to recognise that we are in the last days (I John 2:18; Hebrews 9:26ff; I Peter 1:5). According to II Timothy 3:1 says ‘This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.’ These points are not meant to scare people, but to offer an early warning service so they can prepare ahead. Proverbs 22:3 and 27:12 says the prudent man foresees the evil, and hides himself, but the simple pass on and are punished.
3.    Polarised nation: For several years now, America’s domestic scene has become more and more polarised. Just look at the outcome of the US Presidential primaries! The half-century old cultural civil war between the ‘progressives’ and ‘social conservatives,’ far from running out of puff, has become more strident and shrill.
4.    The role of religion: The Orlando massacre was considered a ‘hate crime’ and ‘terrorist attack.’ But did it have anything to do with religion? Mateen’s father Seddique said his son was not particularly religious and that religion had nothing to do with attack in Orlando. Others in the government and media are quick to say the same thing. However, remember that Mateen called 9-1-1 just before or even during the attack, pledging allegiance to the jihadist group ‘Islamic State’ (IS). In addition, Amaq News, part of the Islamic State’s media outlet, took claim for the attack and normally their claims are correct. IS has a particular distain for homosexuals, and has even been recorded pushing them off high buildings to their death. Mateen reportedly expressed disgust upon seeing two men kissing in Miami. IS is condemned by many Muslim groups and their so-caliphate rejected, yet they continually claim to be the true Muslims who are living in obedience to the sacred texts. The 2015 shootings in San Bernardino, California that killed 14 people were religiously motivated; Mrs. Tashfeen Malik pledged allegiance to the Islamic State just before. Major Nidal Malik Hasan, who killed 13 people and injured 30 at Fort Hood, Texas, in 2009 cried Allah u Akbar before he went on a killing spree. If radical Islam is to blame for the Orlando shooting – and the evidence points in that direction – our leaders need to say so. We do no favours to the victims, their families, our Muslim neighbours or the world by living in denial. In addition, the Orlando attack happened during Ramadhan, the Muslim month of fasting. Religious passions can be stirred during this time. This does not mean the 1.5 billion member Muslim community goes violently berserk during the fasting month, but a few can. Just in the first week of Ramadan 2016, there have been 60 attacks worldwide with 472 people killed. Some may say this is a coincidence, but is it really?
5.    War on Terror? Since September 11th, there have been over 300 jihadist attacks in the United States alone, and 28,570 worldwide. A low-level intra-Muslim world war has been occurring from Nigeria to Pakistan, with jihadis attacking fellows Muslims and non-Muslims. The fact is that Muslims are suffering from jihad even more than the West.

Stop Hate: Was this a hate crime? Yes it was. Can a hate crime be religiously-motivated? Yes it can. What is the solution? You can never conquer hate by hate: verbal attacks, physical attacks, vilification, shaming, or even imprisonment will not stop this evil in the heart. Bible-believing Christians understand that the only antidote to hate is love … God’s love. Jesus says in Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you’’ (see the entire passage Matthew 5:43-48). You will never overcome evil with evil. but you will by God’s love. Let’s pray for revival in the America and the western world, of which love will be the greatest evidence. As Paul concludes in Romans 12:21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

Articles, Prophecy, Teaching, Terrorism

TERROR IN BRUSSELS: Making Sense Out of the Senseless

Another tragedy, another headline: Paris, Ankara, Istanbul, and now Brussels. Belgium authorities knew that an attack was possible. The stakes were raised even higher after the capture a few days earlier of Salah Abdel Salaam, an Islamic State operative accused of being part of the Paris Massacre of Friday 13th November 2015. The death total was 129.
Yet, when on March 22, 2016, terrorists struck Zaventem International Airport in Brussels, transit point for 23 million people a year, and a train station, resulting in over 31 deaths, several missing, and 270 injured, it seemed to come as a surprise. What was not a surprise is that the so-called Islamic State claimed credit.
Yes, there were condemnations from world leaders, expressions of sympathy to the people of Belgium, declarations of support as well as action against terrorism. Before all else, we need to ask: how do we make sense of the senseless?
First, it is important to face the situation with healthy realism and honesty. Put aside political correctness and the fear that you ‘might offend’ someone, and let’s call the situation for what it is. As Tarek Fateh of the Toronto Sun says, ‘Deploring jihadist attacks without naming who is responsible just doesn’t cut it anymore.’
First, what happened is really an act of war. True, you don’t have uniformed soldiers, facing each other on the battlefront, equally armed and determined to take or defend territory. But it is still a war.
Nature of War
Consider the some other aspects of war today:
1.    High-tech: you can attack an enemy without ever-seeing him.
2.    Asymmetrical: The parties are not evenly matched, one is smaller than the other, like David and Goliath. In this case, it is Belgium and the EU vs. the Islamic State.
3.    Intra-Muslim: From Nigeria in the West to Pakistan in the East, there is a low-level world war among Muslims, between radicals and mainstream, Sunni vs Shia, modernists vs. feudalists. The players may vary, be it Nigeria and Boko Haram, Somalia/Kenya and al Shabaab, Yemen and Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, Afghanistan and the Taliban,yet this multi-faceted war for the soul of Islam has wounded and killed many, mostly Muslims themselves. Today, the war in Syrian has morphed: no longer is it a civil war between pro-government, pro-Assad forces and Syrian rebels. Today, it is a regional proxy war between the Sunnis (Qatar, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia) versus the Shia (al Assad, Iran, and Hizballah).
4.    Trans-Muslim war: Here the radical, militant Islamists are also targeting the West; examples include September 11th in New York and Washington (2001); Madrid bombings (2004); London bombings (2005), and so on.
Brussels is more than the capital of Belgium, and a place of great chocolate: it houses the headquarters of the European Union. It is the hub of the vision of a ‘peaceful, secular, democratic united Europe.’ That’s why the French President Francois Hollande said ‘terrorists struck Brussels but it was Europe that was targeted – and all the world that is concerned.’ Let’s face it: as Tarek Fateh said earlier, you cannot win a war until you are first ready to name your enemy!
The Brussels attack was both an act of war and an act of terrorism. Terrorism is defined as using criminal, violent means in order to bring political change. Terrorism may not be an existential threat to a nation state, but it can cause much damage, especially if the terrorists have weapons of mass destruction.
It is very common to condemn terrorism, but also to make exceptions, as if there are ‘good terrorists’ and ‘bad terrorists.’ Often we hear the phrase, ‘I condemn this act of terror, but ….’ Until we are unequivocal that all terrorism is evil, such double-minded thinking will only make the problem worse.
Sensible Solutions
What can be done? For starters, remember that terrorists try to exploit loopholes in security. Plug the loopholes and the chances of an attack are greatly diminished. Belgium authorities exhibited a shocking lapse of intelligence and security, despite the warnings. Brussels knew that an attack was possible and yet there was no visible, increased police presence, especially at the public transport areas. Anyone could walk into the airport, and that’s exactly what two suicide bombers did laden with explosive vests.
Contrast that with Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport, where you can’t even walk through the front door unless you go through security, including all your luggage x-rayed, and then, after checking in, you go through another security check. At Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport, there are 11 visible security posts or inspection points from the entry to the airport until you board the plane. This explains why there has not been a hijacking or attack at Ben Gurion Airport in 40 years.
Increased intelligence is also a key that can be very effective. Brussels has a Muslim-majority suburb called Molenbeck, where Belgium police do not go. A place of criminal gangs and drugs, Molenbeck is ripe for radicalisation. Jihadis returning from the war in Syria would find it an ideal place to plot attacks on Belgian soil. It is time that Belgium and Europe reclaim their sovereign territory and clean out the nest.
As a long-term world-watcher, this author is of the conviction that the root cause of our social and political problems is spiritual – and so is the answer. Two points on this: prayer can and does make a big difference. The lead-up to the 1991 Gulf War to dislodge Saddam Hussein and the Iraqi army was fraught with peril. We were warned of a war lasting months or years, 10,000s or 100,000s of coalition deaths, and the possibility of Saddam unleashing terrorist attacks in the West. In the end, Kuwait was liberated in only 43 days with less than 300 allied casualties and the terrorists stayed home. No question about it: the concerted prayer intensive at the time gave us such results.

Second point: remember that the goal of terrorism is to cause fear. If you are a prayerful, faithful, Spirit-filled person, you will not capitulate to fear. Make a decision to be fearless and get on with normal life – vigilant and observant – but normal, and you and your nation will not be defeated.
Articles, Prophecy, Teaching, Terrorism

TERROR IN BRUSSELS: Making Sense Out of the Senseless

Another tragedy, another headline: Paris, Ankara, Istanbul, and now Brussels. Belgium authorities knew that an attack was possible. The stakes were raised even higher after the capture a few days earlier of Salah Abdel Salaam, an Islamic State operative accused of being part of the Paris Massacre of Friday 13th November 2015. The death total was 129.
Yet, when on March 22, 2016, terrorists struck Zaventem International Airport in Brussels, transit point for 23 million people a year, and a train station, resulting in over 31 deaths, several missing, and 270 injured, it seemed to come as a surprise. What was not a surprise is that the so-called Islamic State claimed credit.
Yes, there were condemnations from world leaders, expressions of sympathy to the people of Belgium, declarations of support as well as action against terrorism. Before all else, we need to ask: how do we make sense of the senseless?
First, it is important to face the situation with healthy realism and honesty. Put aside political correctness and the fear that you ‘might offend’ someone, and let’s call the situation for what it is. As Tarek Fateh of the Toronto Sun says, ‘Deploring jihadist attacks without naming who is responsible just doesn’t cut it anymore.’
First, what happened is really an act of war. True, you don’t have uniformed soldiers, facing each other on the battlefront, equally armed and determined to take or defend territory. But it is still a war.
Nature of War
Consider the some other aspects of war today:
1.    High-tech: you can attack an enemy without ever-seeing him.
2.    Asymmetrical: The parties are not evenly matched, one is smaller than the other, like David and Goliath. In this case, it is Belgium and the EU vs. the Islamic State.
3.    Intra-Muslim: From Nigeria in the West to Pakistan in the East, there is a low-level world war among Muslims, between radicals and mainstream, Sunni vs Shia, modernists vs. feudalists. The players may vary, be it Nigeria and Boko Haram, Somalia/Kenya and al Shabaab, Yemen and Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, Afghanistan and the Taliban,yet this multi-faceted war for the soul of Islam has wounded and killed many, mostly Muslims themselves. Today, the war in Syrian has morphed: no longer is it a civil war between pro-government, pro-Assad forces and Syrian rebels. Today, it is a regional proxy war between the Sunnis (Qatar, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia) versus the Shia (al Assad, Iran, and Hizballah).
4.    Trans-Muslim war: Here the radical, militant Islamists are also targeting the West; examples include September 11th in New York and Washington (2001); Madrid bombings (2004); London bombings (2005), and so on.
Brussels is more than the capital of Belgium, and a place of great chocolate: it houses the headquarters of the European Union. It is the hub of the vision of a ‘peaceful, secular, democratic united Europe.’ That’s why the French President Francois Hollande said ‘terrorists struck Brussels but it was Europe that was targeted – and all the world that is concerned.’ Let’s face it: as Tarek Fateh said earlier, you cannot win a war until you are first ready to name your enemy!
The Brussels attack was both an act of war and an act of terrorism. Terrorism is defined as using criminal, violent means in order to bring political change. Terrorism may not be an existential threat to a nation state, but it can cause much damage, especially if the terrorists have weapons of mass destruction.
It is very common to condemn terrorism, but also to make exceptions, as if there are ‘good terrorists’ and ‘bad terrorists.’ Often we hear the phrase, ‘I condemn this act of terror, but ….’ Until we are unequivocal that all terrorism is evil, such double-minded thinking will only make the problem worse.
Sensible Solutions
What can be done? For starters, remember that terrorists try to exploit loopholes in security. Plug the loopholes and the chances of an attack are greatly diminished. Belgium authorities exhibited a shocking lapse of intelligence and security, despite the warnings. Brussels knew that an attack was possible and yet there was no visible, increased police presence, especially at the public transport areas. Anyone could walk into the airport, and that’s exactly what two suicide bombers did laden with explosive vests.
Contrast that with Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport, where you can’t even walk through the front door unless you go through security, including all your luggage x-rayed, and then, after checking in, you go through another security check. At Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport, there are 11 visible security posts or inspection points from the entry to the airport until you board the plane. This explains why there has not been a hijacking or attack at Ben Gurion Airport in 40 years.
Increased intelligence is also a key that can be very effective. Brussels has a Muslim-majority suburb called Molenbeck, where Belgium police do not go. A place of criminal gangs and drugs, Molenbeck is ripe for radicalisation. Jihadis returning from the war in Syria would find it an ideal place to plot attacks on Belgian soil. It is time that Belgium and Europe reclaim their sovereign territory and clean out the nest.
As a long-term world-watcher, this author is of the conviction that the root cause of our social and political problems is spiritual – and so is the answer. Two points on this: prayer can and does make a big difference. The lead-up to the 1991 Gulf War to dislodge Saddam Hussein and the Iraqi army was fraught with peril. We were warned of a war lasting months or years, 10,000s or 100,000s of coalition deaths, and the possibility of Saddam unleashing terrorist attacks in the West. In the end, Kuwait was liberated in only 43 days with less than 300 allied casualties and the terrorists stayed home. No question about it: the concerted prayer intensive at the time gave us such results.

Second point: remember that the goal of terrorism is to cause fear. If you are a prayerful, faithful, Spirit-filled person, you will not capitulate to fear. Make a decision to be fearless and get on with normal life – vigilant and observant – but normal, and you and your nation will not be defeated.
Articles, Prophecy, Teaching, Terrorism

SYRIA: Could the Civil War Become a World War?

The Syrian Civil War: By now we are all familiar with the term, but how much to we really know? First, there are the mind-numbing statistics: since the war first began in March 2011, as part of the ‘Arab Spring,’ 250,000 people have been killed, 7.6 million have been internally displaced (40% of the population), and another 4.4 million have registered as refugees outside of Syria. While Angela Merkel and Germany receive attention (and applause) for taking in 1.1 million migrants (not all are refugees from Syria), Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, and even Iraq, have 3.6 million UN-registered Syrian refugees.
Then there are peace talks in Geneva. Oh, good, we think, perhaps this wretched situation may be winding down.
Not so fast. Let’s take a closer look.
First, it has long ceased to be a ‘Syrian Civil War,’ because as you will see below, it has become a regional war.
Syria Rebels: The Syrian civil war first began when peaceful protesters in the southern Syrian city of Duraa were brutally suppressed by the Baathist Party (a strange combination of socialism, fascism, and Arab nationalism) al Assad regime. Having overcome their fear of al Assad’s police state, the people fought back by various rebel groups.
The goal of the Syrian Rebels: Get rid of the al Assad dynasty, which has been ruling Syria since 1970. Here is the ‘civil war’ stage.
Sunni nations step in: After this, the waters got muddied. Though most Syrians are Sunni Muslim, the al Assad regime is Alawite, an offshoot of Shia Islam. This is one of the reasons the regime aligned with the Shia-power, Iran. Sunni Muslim regimes like Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, decided to get involved by funding Sunni rebel groups.
The goal of the Sunni nations: Get rid of al Assad and install a Sunni regime. The result is that the ‘civil war’ is now a ‘regional conflict.’
Assad’s Allies Respond: Remember Newton’s law? For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction? Al Assad’s allies – Iran, Russia, and the Shia-militia Hizballah in Lebanon, watched these events with alarm and decided to support the Syrian government forces. Hizballah went one step further and got involved militarily, fighting along side Assad’s troops.
The goal of al Assad’s allies: Preserve the status quo by keeping him in power.
Terrorist haven: The chaos in Syria has been a fertile field for terrorist groups to extend their tentacles. This includes al Nusra-Front, the al Qaeda affiliate in Syria, and the so-called Islamic State, an offshoot of al Qaeda, which was expelled by the latter in February 2014 for being ‘too brutal.’ Both groups occupy Syrian territory, including the archaeological site of Palmyra, and even territory close to Damascus.
What does it all mean? What started off as a rebellion against the al-Assad regime has turned into a regional conflict and a proxy war between Sunnis and Shia. The terrorist occupation of part of Syria further complicates an already complex and combustable situation.
The Syrian civil war is arguably the worse conflict and humanitarian crisis since the end of the Second World War in 1945. It’s potential for morphing from a regional conflict to a world war is greater than anything we have seen until now.

Enter the Russians: Westerners may not realise that Russia has had a long-term interest in the Middle East. Some of it is geo-political and some of it theological – Mother Russia wants to save the world. Russian pilgrims have been trekking to the holy land for decades, where they had their own compound in Jerusalem, complete with hospice, cathedral, and even hospital. In 2015, Russia became militarily involved by firing rockets into Syria. Iran, newly-freed from sanctions imposed because of its nuclear program, is playing ‘catch-up’ in terms of business deals, weapons acquisition, and exerting influence in the region.
Along with the Hizballah militia, the balance of power is changing in favour of al-Assad and the Syrian government. There is a real chance that they can retake Syria’s largest city, Aleppo, and this would help wind down the war.
Sunni Invasion: Turkey, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia view the potential of al-Assad’s survival with great dismay. Russia, Iran, and Hizballah are changing the game and they must not be allowed to succeed.
The solution? An ground invasion of Syria by a Sunni coalition. According to an article by Michael Snyder, the largest military exercise in the history of the ‘war-torn’ Middle East is being planned. The statistics are staggering: a coalition of Turkey, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Jordan, Bahrain, Sudan, Kuwait, Morocco, Pakistan, Oman, Qatar, Tunisia (even Malaysia), will contribute 350,000 soldiers, 20,000 tanks, 2,450 planes, and 460 helicopters to an 18 day operation called ‘Northern Thunder.’ The goal is to replace al Assad with a Sunni-regime in Syria.
(Michael Synder, ‘World War 3 Could Start This Month: 350,000 Soldiers In Saudi Arabia Stand Ready To Invade Syria’ http://www.charismanews.com/opinion/55194-world-war-3-could-start-this-month accessed 20 February 2016). Shockingly, the mainstream media is silent about all this.
The key players are America’s allies and Turkey is a NATO member. US President Barack Obama, who has worked hard to militarily detach the US from the Middle East, and constantly pledged ‘no (American) boots on the ground’ in any conflict, would have to give the nod.
If such a ground invasion of Syria were to occur, it would have to be soon. Would Russia, Iran, and Hizballah stand idly by as their significant gains in Syria come under threat? Would NATO have to get involved to defend its ally Turkey (that’s part of the deal – all NATO members must come to rescue of any member)? Could we be seeing the unthinkable – the beginning of World War III.
On the other hand, Saudi Arabia and some of these other countries have an untested military, Turkey

is bogged down with Kurdish sectarianism, and Obama wants to minimise, not accelerate, military involvement in the region. Are they willing to take the gamble of invading Syria, thus provoking Russia and Iran? It seems far-fetched, until you heard the quotes and see the actions.

For all praying people, this is a good time to go to work. And while you’re praying, remember the long-suffering Christian population in Iraq and Syria, who have been the focus of severe persecution by rebel and terrorist groups.
More than nukes and conventional arms, prayer is the greatest weapon of all.

‘Blessed are the peacemakers: For they shall be called the children of God’ — Matthew 5:9 
Articles, Prophecy, Teaching, Terrorism

SYRIA: Could the Civil War Become a World War?

The Syrian Civil War: By now we are all familiar with the term, but how much to we really know? First, there are the mind-numbing statistics: since the war first began in March 2011, as part of the ‘Arab Spring,’ 250,000 people have been killed, 7.6 million have been internally displaced (40% of the population), and another 4.4 million have registered as refugees outside of Syria. While Angela Merkel and Germany receive attention (and applause) for taking in 1.1 million migrants (not all are refugees from Syria), Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, and even Iraq, have 3.6 million UN-registered Syrian refugees.
Then there are peace talks in Geneva. Oh, good, we think, perhaps this wretched situation may be winding down.
Not so fast. Let’s take a closer look.
First, it has long ceased to be a ‘Syrian Civil War,’ because as you will see below, it has become a regional war.
Syria Rebels: The Syrian civil war first began when peaceful protesters in the southern Syrian city of Duraa were brutally suppressed by the Baathist Party (a strange combination of socialism, fascism, and Arab nationalism) al Assad regime. Having overcome their fear of al Assad’s police state, the people fought back by various rebel groups.
The goal of the Syrian Rebels: Get rid of the al Assad dynasty, which has been ruling Syria since 1970. Here is the ‘civil war’ stage.
Sunni nations step in: After this, the waters got muddied. Though most Syrians are Sunni Muslim, the al Assad regime is Alawite, an offshoot of Shia Islam. This is one of the reasons the regime aligned with the Shia-power, Iran. Sunni Muslim regimes like Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, decided to get involved by funding Sunni rebel groups.
The goal of the Sunni nations: Get rid of al Assad and install a Sunni regime. The result is that the ‘civil war’ is now a ‘regional conflict.’
Assad’s Allies Respond: Remember Newton’s law? For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction? Al Assad’s allies – Iran, Russia, and the Shia-militia Hizballah in Lebanon, watched these events with alarm and decided to support the Syrian government forces. Hizballah went one step further and got involved militarily, fighting along side Assad’s troops.
The goal of al Assad’s allies: Preserve the status quo by keeping him in power.
Terrorist haven: The chaos in Syria has been a fertile field for terrorist groups to extend their tentacles. This includes al Nusra-Front, the al Qaeda affiliate in Syria, and the so-called Islamic State, an offshoot of al Qaeda, which was expelled by the latter in February 2014 for being ‘too brutal.’ Both groups occupy Syrian territory, including the archaeological site of Palmyra, and even territory close to Damascus.
What does it all mean? What started off as a rebellion against the al-Assad regime has turned into a regional conflict and a proxy war between Sunnis and Shia. The terrorist occupation of part of Syria further complicates an already complex and combustable situation.
The Syrian civil war is arguably the worse conflict and humanitarian crisis since the end of the Second World War in 1945. It’s potential for morphing from a regional conflict to a world war is greater than anything we have seen until now.

Enter the Russians: Westerners may not realise that Russia has had a long-term interest in the Middle East. Some of it is geo-political and some of it theological – Mother Russia wants to save the world. Russian pilgrims have been trekking to the holy land for decades, where they had their own compound in Jerusalem, complete with hospice, cathedral, and even hospital. In 2015, Russia became militarily involved by firing rockets into Syria. Iran, newly-freed from sanctions imposed because of its nuclear program, is playing ‘catch-up’ in terms of business deals, weapons acquisition, and exerting influence in the region.
Along with the Hizballah militia, the balance of power is changing in favour of al-Assad and the Syrian government. There is a real chance that they can retake Syria’s largest city, Aleppo, and this would help wind down the war.
Sunni Invasion: Turkey, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia view the potential of al-Assad’s survival with great dismay. Russia, Iran, and Hizballah are changing the game and they must not be allowed to succeed.
The solution? An ground invasion of Syria by a Sunni coalition. According to an article by Michael Snyder, the largest military exercise in the history of the ‘war-torn’ Middle East is being planned. The statistics are staggering: a coalition of Turkey, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Jordan, Bahrain, Sudan, Kuwait, Morocco, Pakistan, Oman, Qatar, Tunisia (even Malaysia), will contribute 350,000 soldiers, 20,000 tanks, 2,450 planes, and 460 helicopters to an 18 day operation called ‘Northern Thunder.’ The goal is to replace al Assad with a Sunni-regime in Syria.
(Michael Synder, ‘World War 3 Could Start This Month: 350,000 Soldiers In Saudi Arabia Stand Ready To Invade Syria’ http://www.charismanews.com/opinion/55194-world-war-3-could-start-this-month accessed 20 February 2016). Shockingly, the mainstream media is silent about all this.
The key players are America’s allies and Turkey is a NATO member. US President Barack Obama, who has worked hard to militarily detach the US from the Middle East, and constantly pledged ‘no (American) boots on the ground’ in any conflict, would have to give the nod.
If such a ground invasion of Syria were to occur, it would have to be soon. Would Russia, Iran, and Hizballah stand idly by as their significant gains in Syria come under threat? Would NATO have to get involved to defend its ally Turkey (that’s part of the deal – all NATO members must come to rescue of any member)? Could we be seeing the unthinkable – the beginning of World War III.
On the other hand, Saudi Arabia and some of these other countries have an untested military, Turkey

is bogged down with Kurdish sectarianism, and Obama wants to minimise, not accelerate, military involvement in the region. Are they willing to take the gamble of invading Syria, thus provoking Russia and Iran? It seems far-fetched, until you heard the quotes and see the actions.

For all praying people, this is a good time to go to work. And while you’re praying, remember the long-suffering Christian population in Iraq and Syria, who have been the focus of severe persecution by rebel and terrorist groups.
More than nukes and conventional arms, prayer is the greatest weapon of all.

‘Blessed are the peacemakers: For they shall be called the children of God’ — Matthew 5:9