By Jim Hutchens

After surveying the threats Israel faces, internally and externally, Aaron Klein concludes in his best selling book, The Late Great State of Israel, “I trust and believe that Israel will ultimately survive against all odds and in spite of the threats from within and without only by the grace of God. But for now, things don’t look good.”

Indeed they don’t. And the primary reason things don’t look good is because of President Obama’s peace plan that he intends to impose on Israel. Never mind the fact that he has toured the Muslim world assuring them that American values will not be imposed on the Muslims. But the hypocrisy of double-standards is readily apparent when the President is quick to impose on Israel his own values that require a two-state solution with a divided Jerusalem. Caroline Glick, writing in the Jerusalem Post, is spot on when she concludes, “America’s betrayal of Israel by the present [Obama] government is a reality.”

While the evidence of that betrayal will evolve throughout the length of Obama administration, the decision for that betrayal has evidently already been made. Does this mean the ultimate and final demise of Israel as the Palestinian Jihadists want? No, and the reason is because of what Aaron Klein referred to in his astute insight Israel will survive, “only by the grace of God.”

Not only does the two-state solution with a divided Jerusalem lack any rational basis politically, economically, socially or militarily, but it is based on the total ignorance of God’s declared promise of this land as a national home land for the Jewish people. As a matter of fact the current U.S. policy regarding the Israel-Palestinian issue is founded on myth derived from an on-going revisionist history. Not only are God’s covenants with Israel summarily dismissed (if known at all), but all international law respecting this issue is totally ignored.

As we have noted in our Jerusalem Connection Peace Plan: “The legal validity of the modern state of Israel must be recognized as having been established by international law. This is confirmed by The Balfour Declaration of November 1917, authenticated and formalized by the British Mandate of the League of Nations in July 1922, by the United Nations partition resolution of 1947, by the official recognition of the State of Israel by the United States in May of 1948 and Israel’s admission to the United Nations in 1949.”

If Israel’s so-called Palestinian peace partners refuse to acknowledge Israel’s right to exist, refuse to denounce and stop violence against Israel and refuse to abide by any past agreements with Israel, where then is there any realistic hope for peace. There is none, and if the Obama administration thinks it can impose peace they are living in a fantasy land of their own making. Is there any hope?

Unfortunately 78% of American Jews voted for Obama. As they see the progressive erosion of support for Israel on the part of Obama, they should be jarred into action. The elected Jewish politicians, most of whom are Democrats, should demand a change in Obama’s policies toward Israel and be held accountable if they don’t. Only time will tell if they have the political courage to challenge their leader. As for Christian Zionists, they have seen the folly of the two-state solution from the get go.

Sooner or later, and hopefully sooner, we will all see the numskull notion of Israelis and Palestinians living side by side in peace and security as a figment of western befuddled imagination. It’s simply not going to happen. There will be no peace until there is victory. Peace negotiations always follows, never precedes, victory on the battle field. Which means Israel will have to decisively defeat all Palestinian Jihadists including Hizbollah, totally disarm them and destroy and dismantle their terrorist infrastructure. Any thing short of this is illusory.

The sad reality of this is, if Israel does defeat the Palestinian Jihadists they will suffer the world’s condemnation. If they don’t they have consigned themselves to a never-ending fight for their own survival. The same is true whether or not they preemptively take out Iran’s nuclear capability. They are dammed if they do and dammed if they don’t.
Recently I was on a panel at a seminar hosted by the EMET Group and the Heritage Foundation dealing with New Solution to Old Problems related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The panel included three prominent Israelis, including two Major Generals plus former CIA Director, James Woolsey and noted scholar and commentator Daniel Pipes. The panel’s consensus conclusion was that the two-state solution is no solution at all primarily because neither Israel nor the Palestinians want it for different reasons, of course. Indeed, Aaron’s Klein’s word appears prophetic, “for now things don’t look good.”

Which brings me back to Klein’s more positive observation, “Israel will survive but only by the grace of God.” The prophet Daniel envisions a similar scenario. “There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. …It will be for three and a half years. When the power of the holy people has been finally broken, all things will be completed.” (12:1, 7). “Then the sovereignty, power and greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven will be handed over to the saints, the people of the Most High.” (7:27). The moral of the unfolding drama with Israel is that God’s grace will prevail. Read the end of the Book, we win!

A recent poll question on Lou Dobbs Tonight was, “Is it a sign of the times that President Obama is called “a god” (by Newsweek editor Evan Thomas) and “a false prophet” (by Jon Voight)? 86% agreed it was a sign of the times. 14% said no. We were heartened to see that 86% agree with us, but then it is our job to “Discern the signs of the times.”

Jim Hutchens is President of The Jerusalem Connection, International and editor of The Jerusalem Connection Report.

By Jim Hutchens 

One of the most remarkable yet revealing statements in Scripture is in Paul’s letter to the Corinthian believers.  No doubt there have to be differences among you to show which of you have God’s approval. (I Corinthians 11:19).  The word for “differences” is translated “heresies” elsewhere (cf. Galatians 5:20, II Peter 2:1).  The Apostle is clearly saying there will be heresies among believers so that God may determine who has his approval.

Paul must have had in mind the conflicting and mutually exclusive end-time scenarios that abound among Christians today.  They simply can’t all be correct. In the meantime confusion is rampant among God’s people.  There is only one end-time plan that will eventually emerge as having “God’s approval.”  God did not intent for an understanding of the end-times to be rocket science – open to only an esoteric few among elite academicians or theological superstars.  Like the rest of Scripture, it’s for the common man.  God expects us to understand it as He has given it to us in His Word.

The four most prevalent end-time scenarios are based on the book of Revelation, chapter 20, in which the 1000 (millennium) year reign of Jesus Christ is referred to six times.  They are Premillennialism, Amillennialism, Postmillenialism and Preterism.

Premillennialism sees the return of Jesus as occurring before he establishes his 1000 year literal reign on earth.  The first resurrection, the gathering together of both living and dead believers (II Thessalonians 2:1), provide the manpower to rule and reign with Christ as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  Satan is bound and has no deceitful influence until the 1000 years are over.  He is then released for a short period, but is ultimately defeated for eternity.  Apparently, the author of Revelation, the Apostle John, as well as the other writers of Scripture, held to this belief regarding the end-times.  It was this understanding of the end-times that was held by the earliest church.

Amillennialism sees us as in the millennium now.  Thus there is no literal 1000 year reign of Christ on earth as given in Revelation 20.  Christ is presently reigning in heaven with the souls of dead believers.  Satan is supposedly bound from deceiving the nations because the gospel is still being preached and people are still coming to Christ.  This understanding of the binding of Satan conflicts with the prediction of Jesus himself, that Satan’s “deception” will characterize the times until Jesus returns – such profound deception that even the elect would be deceived, “if that were possible” (Matthew 24:24).  Since the 1000 year reign of Christ on earth with believers is spiritualized, amillennialism gives an inadequate understanding of what believers should expect and prepare for regarding the future.

Postmillennialism sees the world as eventually becoming Christianized and will result in a future extended period of world peace.  This requires the belief that the people and governments of the world are progressively becoming more Christ-like and reflecting the values and virtues of his teaching and example.  Unfortunately, the world we live in today provides incontrovertible evidence to the contrary.  Wars and rumors of wars abound.  Islam is gaining in influence, even in the United States.  The moral compass of the world and certainly in America has gone south, with no indication of it being reversed.  Postmillenianism is in conflict with the clear and observable facts in the world today.  It does not provide a helpful understanding of the end-times.

Preterism sees all or most of the prophecies in the Bible as having been fulfilled at the fall of Jerusalem in AD 70.  They are in the past, hence preterist.  This view is the most difficult to accept because it denies Jesus and the writers of the New Testament any understanding of the future up to the return of Christ.  The events of the book of Revelation are all in the past and God’s people are left adrift without any guidance as to the future. To subscribe to preterism one must believe God is wrong when he says through the prophet, “Surely the Sovereign LORD does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets.” (Amos 3:7).

Obviously all of these end-time scenarios can’t be right. But God is not the author of confusion, and the least confusing and easiest to understand is the literal sequence of events given in Revelation 19-20 – which leads to premillenialism.   Jesus will return in power and glory to establish his kingdom on earth, where he will reign with believers for a thousand years.  His coming will follow an unprecedented time of tribulation and world-wide destruction that lasts for seven years.

This seven year period will begin when a dynamic world leader (the anti-Christ) will endorse a covenant that includes Israel and most likely allows for the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem.  This covenant is the next identifiable event in God’s prophetic calendar.  Be alert, that covenant/agreement may be closer that we think.  Even so, come quickly LORD Jesus.

Jim Hutchens is President of The Jerusalem Connection, International and editor of The Jerusalem Connection Report.

By Jim Hutchens

A benediction is “the invocation of blessing, especially at the end of a worship service; to bless or speak well of.” (The American Heritage Dictionary).   The most familiar benediction/blessing of both Jews and Christians is found in Numbers 6:24-26.

“The LORD bless you and keep you;
The LORD make His face to shine upon you,
And be gracious to you,
The LORD lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.”

It is familiar because we hear it pronounced repeatedly by rabbis, pastors, and religious leaders. The question is – does it really work? Is a person or a group actually blessed when this benediction is pronounced over them? Does one in fact experience God’s favor and grace after receiving this benediction? Is it effective? Or is it just what religious people say? Do things seem about the same as before the blessing was pronounced? Who can really say? How can we be sure one way or the other?

One way to be sure blessing will be forthcoming is if the words are actually pronounced accurately the way God said they should be pronounced. First, however, let’s look at the context of this blessing which God gave to Moses and how it relates to Christians.

Numbers 6:22 says, “And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, ‘Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, ‘This is the way you shall bless the children of Israel. Say to them…’” Then the actual “The LORD bless you” benediction is given. The question immediately arises – Is this only for Israel or are Christians now included?

The Apostle Paul gives an outright, unequivocal answer, “If you are Christ’s (belong to Messiah), then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise” (Galatians 3:29). Paul had already declared in Romans 11:11 ff. that followers of Jesus have been “grafted in” to the Olive Tree of the Israel of God. So we may say with Scriptural authority – the blessing of Numbers 6 is to be pronounced on believers in Jesus.

Now we must consider one of the great tragedies of the Judeo-Christian experience which is – the Name of God is neither spoken nor written correctly in our English Bibles. Here is what God told Moses at the Burning Bush, “…thus you shall say to the children of Israel, the LORD … this is My name forever, and this is My memorial to all generations” (Genesis 3:15). In other words, God said, “Moses, here is what you are to say. I am telling you what My Name is. Here is my name and it is to be my name forever.” So, what’s the problem? What’s the great tragedy?

The tragedy is that we have NOT used the very name God said to use. We have pronounced God’s name “LORD” or “The LORD.” That is not his name. That is a title one of many titles used of our God. However, His name is Yahweh.  No one would ever know God’s real name from English translations of the Bible. Whenever you see LORD, all in capital letters (and you only see it in the Old Testament), that is the English translation of the Hebrew word Yahweh.  Yahweh is his name and LORD is his title. And God further instructs in Numbers 6:27, “So shall they put My name on the children of Israel, and I will bless them.”

In other words, to be assured of the blessing of God, it is absolutely essential that the name of Yahweh be placed on those who are being blessed. Some have translated LORD as Jehovah. But there is a general consensus among Bible scholars and interpreters today that the actual name of the God of Israel is Yahweh. So why then don’t we use the name God gave for his people to call him? Good question.

Long ago, rabbis and sages of Judaism determined that Yahweh should not be used out of fear that the 3rd commandment might be broken, “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.” However, the scholars who compiled The Encyclopedia Judaica state, “the true pronunciation of the name YHWH was never lost. Several early Greek writers of the Christian Church testify that the name was pronounced ‘Yahweh’” (Vol.6, p.80). However, out of misguided reverence, Rabbinic Judaism has replaced the name Yahweh with Adonai (Lord, without capital letters) or HaShem, “The Name.” Unfortunately, in a desire to reverence the name of Yahweh, the people who would otherwise be blessed, have been cut off from the power and blessing that God promises, when his Name is properly invoked to bless his people.

Sadly, this tragedy of not using the name of Yahweh has been perpetuated by much of Christianity, as seen in the English translations of the Bible. Many pronouncements of the benedictions and blessings of Numbers 6 have gone unrealized because the name of Yahweh has not been invoked to bring about the blessing.

Recognizing the difficult times in which we live, and knowing it will get worse before Messiah comes, it is imperative that we call on God for His blessing in the Name which He determined we should use the name of Yahweh. Let us pray then;

“Yahweh bless you and keep you;
Yahweh make His face to shine upon you,
and be gracious to you,
Yahweh lift up His countenance upon you,
and give you peace.”

When we pray this way when we put the name of Yahweh on those we are praying for – we have the sure and certain promise that His blessing is on the way!

 Jim Hutchens is President of The Jerusalem Connection, International and editor of The Jerusalem Connection Report.

By Jim Hutchens

When an irresistible force meets an unmovable object a collision results. That appears to be the forthcoming scenario between President Obama and Prime Minister Netanyahu. But this is only “Round One.”

From day one of his presidency Mr. Obama has put on a full-court press to establish the politically correct mantra of a “two-state solution with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace.” Never mind the fact that all attempts at this since 1948 have been abysmal failures. The primary reason for these failures is the Palestinians are not partners in seeking peace with Israel. Rather, they continue to insist on the establishment of a Palestinian state on the ashes and total removal of the State of Israel. Check it out in their charter documents.

Blithely ignoring this reality, both the Special Envoy to the Mideast, George Mitchell and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton continue to pressure their unequivocal commitment to a two-state-solution. This has been re-enforced by a rapid succession of visits to Washington by King Abdullah II of Jordan, President of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas and even Prime Minister Netanyahu. President Obama’s visit to the Mideast in June could seal the deal for the immediate future, especially if he “makes an offer they can’t refuse.” Properly understood, the Obama administration’s increased coercion of Israel to conform is yet another attempt to appease the Arab/Muslim world. Israel’s security and national interest are of little concern.

For Bible believers this on-going diplomatic dance must be viewed within the context of the prophetic Scriptures. For example, Zechariah 12:2 ff. speaks of a time when God says, “I am going to make Jerusalem a cup that sends all the surrounding people reeling. …On that day when all nations of the earth are gathered against her, I will make Jerusalem an unmovable rock. All who try to move it will injure themselves.” If when God says “all nations,” He really means “all,” then this must include the United States as well. It is indeed, a sobering and regrettable thought that our own beloved America would be one of those nations gathered against Israel. Tragically, this seems to be the trajectory the Obama administration is on. The God-ordained result is that we and not Israel are “injured.”

Furthermore, the stance President Obama has taken regarding Iran is troubling, certainly for the United States, but existentially for Israel. Evidently, he sees diplomatic talks with Iran as the primary means of curtailing Iran’s dash for nuclear capability. However, notions are now afloat suggesting that since we can’t curtail their thirst for nuclear power, we must accept it and keep it closely monitored. For the U.S., far removed from the region, a nuclear Iran is tolerable. For Israel it is intolerable. It is a matter of survival. Prime Minister Netanyahu has already indicated that if the United States does nothing about the Iranian nuclear threat, Israel will have to do so preemptively. The prophet Zechariah seems to have this possibility in mind when he says, “On that day I will make the leaders of Judah like a firepot in a woodpile, like a flaming torch among sheaves. They will consume right and left all the surrounding peoples, but Jerusalem will remain intact in her place.” (Zechariah 12:6).

Sadly, the trump card Israel has consistently refused to play since its re-birth in 1948, is the Biblical fact that God has decreed to the Jews forever, by covenant promise, the land they now live in. Most of Israel’s leaders have been secular with little commitment to the proclamations of the Bible. Unless and until an Israeli leader emerges who advocates Israel’s standing based on the eternal covenants of God, any political efforts will be futile. The land of Israel is the God-given inheritance of the descendants of Abraham.

The covenants God has made with Israel should be at the top of the list of any Peace Plan Israel agrees to. As a matter of fact the first item on the agenda of our Jerusalem Connection Peace Plan is, “The Covenants of God. The modern State of Israel is a partial fulfillment of God’s immutable and everlasting covenant promises to provide a national homeland for the Jewish people in anticipation of their ultimate redemption when Messiah comes. (Genesis 15:18; 17:7-8). Thus these promises must be considered valid and relevant for today and foundational to any further peace plan discussions. God has a vested interest in Israel and the Jewish people that has not been denied since the founding of the world. To deny Providential input into any peace plan involving Israel is to invite rejection and failure at the outset.”

Expectations that the Obama administration will bring God’s covenants to the negotiating table are futile. It’s not going to happen.  But is there an Israeli leader who will claim his Biblical inheritance and make the covenant promises of the God of Israel an unconditional requirement for any peace plan? Time will tell. It may happen only when another of God’s promises are fulfilled. Again through the prophet Zechariah, God says, “I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look to me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son.” (Zechariah 12:10). Until then, it appears a collision is inevitable. Still this is only “Round One.”

Jim Hutchens is President of The Jerusalem Connection, International and editor of The Jerusalem Connection Report.

By Jim Hutchens

Former Senator George Mitchell’s statement as he accepted President Obama’s appointment as Middle East Envoy to the Israelis and Palestinians is worth careful consideration. He declared, “I have formed the conviction that there is no such thing as a conflict that can’t be ended.”  Bold words, especially when considering the conflict is between Israel and the Palestinians.

For Bible believers these words are of special interest because they have a note of finality a note of completion and victory, even a note of established peace. However, we know peace and victory will come only when the Prince of Peace comes when Messiah rules and reigns on planet earth, as King of Kings and LORD of Lords. (until then, please review The Jerusalem Connection Peace Plan in this issue.)

Furthermore, we know something else from the Bible that is a clear and certain truth. When Messiah comes “on the clouds of the sky with, power and great glory,” (Matthew 24:30); when “every eye will see Him,” (Revelation 1:7); when “On that day His feet shall stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem, (Zechariah 14:4) thus sayeth the LORD, the coming of the Messiah is at least seven years from now!

Whoa, hold it right there you say. Even Jesus said, “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”(Matthew 24:36). I am not pointing to a day or an hour. However, I am pointing to the only Biblical time line God has ever given as an indicator of the season of Messiah’s coming. (By the way, the New Testament never speaks of Messiah’s “return,” which Christians look for. Rather, it always speaks of His “coming,” which both Christians and Jews look for).

The time line I’m speaking of is given to us by the prophet Daniel. He tells us of a series of seven year time periods in Daniel 9:25-27, all of which have passed except the last seven year period. There is a momentous, yet identifiable, event that begins that last period of seven years. Daniel speaks of “the ruler who will come,” (verse 26), “He will confirm a covenant with many for one [seven-year period].” Notice, the ruler does not make or originate the covenant, he confirms it. The Hebrew word means to make strong, to strengthen and make firm or make solid.

In other words, a time is coming when a recognized world ruler will confirm and strengthen a covenant or agreement, evidently between Israel and others with whom a strong covenant is needed. This will be a recognized world wide as a clearly identifiable event. This event will begin the count down to Messiah’s coming seven years later.

However, there is an even more dramatic and identifiable event that takes place three and a half years after the covenant is confirmed. Daniel speaks of this when he says, “but in the middle of that ‘seven’ he [the world ruler], will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And one who causes desolation will place abominations on a wing of the temple, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him.” 

This future act is the epitome of arrogant blasphemy. Jesus speaks of it in Matthew 24:15. The Apostle Paul clearly identifies “the abomination of desolation” when he refers to the “man of lawlessness” … He opposes and exalts himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped and even sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God.” (II Thessalonians 2:3-4). The extent of the rule of this “man of lawlessness” or “anti-Christ” (I John 2:18-25), or “Beast” (Revelation 13) is forty-two months or three and a half years (Revelation 13:5). At the end of this time period Messiah “will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming.” (II Thessalonians 2:8).

There is then, a day coming when a world ruler will confirm a covenant for seven years involving Israel. In the middle of the seven year period or after three and a half years, he will establish himself in the temple proclaiming himself to be God. Following that blasphemous event Jesus said “there will be great tribulation, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now and never to be equaled again.” (Matthew 24:20).
After which Messiah will come in power and great glory, seven years after the ruler confirms the covenant with Israel.

One additional important factor must be noted. For the seven-year prophecy of Daniel to be fulfilled there must exist a temple in which the Man of Lawlessness proclaims himself to be God. Today Israel has no temple and has not had one since it was destroyed by the Romans in A.D. 70. To allow for the fulfillment of the prophecy, three and a half years after the covenant has been confirmed, a temple must be built.

Now, let’s go back to Senator Mitchell’s declaration, “…there is no such thing as a conflict that can’t be ended.” Suppose that through Senator Mitchell’s efforts combined with the Quartet the United States, the United Nations, Russia and the European Union, a peace agreement (covenant) is made between Israel and the Arabs/Palestinians. Suppose that agreement is “confirmed” by a world leader maybe the President of the United States, or the Secretary General of the United Nations, or the Middle East Envoy from the Quartet (currently Tony Blair). Suppose that “covenant” authorizes Israel to build a temple (this would have to take place in the first  three and a half year period). I suggest, if these events occur any time soon we will have seen the seven-year count down begin. Until then we have at least seven years until Messiah comes!

Finally, Jesus said, “When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.… Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:28, 36). “Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus!”

Jim Hutchens is President of The Jerusalem Connection, International and editor of The Jerusalem Connection Report.

By Jim Hutchens

As of January 20, 2009, Barack Obama is the new President of the United States. Probably no one has ever attained this office accompanied with higher expectations near superhuman expectations expectations that no mortal can fulfill.

President Obama campaigned as the candidate of change. As President, he has committed himself to be an “Agent of Change.” The question is “what kind of change is President Obama committed to?” The answer to that question is obviously pure speculation. We can only conjecture at this point. There’s good change and bad. For openers, the prayer inserted in the Western Wall in Jerusalem on July 24, 2008 (see below), by then candidate Obama, is hopeful a sign of good things to come.

Indeed, with the enormous challenges facing President Obama, not only will he need to be in constant prayer, but Christians are obligated to bring him and our other governing authorities before God’s “throne of grace.” The Apostle Paul reminds us with a sense of urgency and priority, regardless of our party affiliation, “I urge, then, first of all that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”(I Timothy 2:1-4).

Domestically, a top priority for President Obama has to be how to reign in a runaway economy that continues to be fueled, with tax payer money, by a congress unrepentant for its legitimizing of bailouts, exorbitant spending and a growing debt that even our grandchildren’s grandchildren will be unable to pay. This coupled by an energy policy in bondage to environmentalists which is calculated to keep us dependent on Islamist’s oil, gives little hope for sane financial policies in the near future. Perhaps “change agent” President Obama can alter a course that otherwise seems inevitable. Then there is the issue of Homeland Security, no doubt a growing challenge. Recently, Peggy Noonan wrote in the New York Times of two words the Democrats fear, “At least George Bush kept us safe, unlike Obama!” Time will tell.

Of special interest to us however, is the Obama foreign policy, particularly as it relates to Iran and Israel. As I write this in early December, Israeli officials have already indicated they may strike and destroy Iran’s nuclear capability without U.S. approval. If this happens, it will create a firestorm of condemnation from the U.N. world, especially the Arabs. If it happens, Israel will have decided in favor of its survival rather than submitting to the discrimination, ridicule, and increasing world commitment to its extinction. In any case Israel is damned if it does and damned if doesn’t. At this point, Israel appears to be the only nation with the moral courage to confront Iran. The Bush administration was AWOL on this issue and President Obama has indicated he wants to talk to Iran without preconditions.

More specific, with respect to our concerns, will be our policy regarding the Israel-Palestinian issue. President Obama has indicated his support of President Bush’s egregiously failed catastrophe, “The Road Map to Peace.” This embodies the infamous two-state solution that includes giving the Palestinians the greater part of the Judea and Samaria (the West Bank) and a divided Jerusalem east Jerusalem being the Palestinian capital.

For President Obama to pursue this already existing diplomatic train-wreck, is to perpetuate a flagrant defiance of God’s covenant promises to provide a national homeland for the Jews within their ancestral Biblical boundaries. Ultimately, it is doomed to fail and rightly so. Meanwhile, it will certainly have the world’s approval. And the Bible indicates it will no doubt succeed for a season, due to the paralyzing and “powerful delusion” God sends on both unbelieving Jews and Gentiles (II Thessalonians 2:11).

But be assured, God will have the last and defining word. Hear the Word of the LORD:  “I am going to make Jerusalem a cup that sends all the surrounding peoples reeling. Judah will be besieged as well as Jerusalem. On that day, when all the nations of the earth are gathered against her, I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock for all the nations. All who try to move it will injure themselves. On that day I will strike every horse with panic and its rider with madness,” declares the LORD. “I will keep a watchful eye over the house of Judah, but I will blind all the horses of the nations.  Then the leaders of Judah will say in their hearts, ‘The people of Jerusalem are strong, because the LORD Almighty is their God.’ On that day I will make the leaders of Judah like a firepot in a woodpile, like a flaming torch among sheaves. They will consume right and left all the surrounding peoples, but Jerusalem will remain intact in her place.” (Zechariah 12:2-6).

Hoping and planning for peace in the Middle East while disregarding God’s declared decrees is a formula for failure, disaster and judgment, especially for the nations  promoting such formulas. To be a genuine “Agent of Change” with God’s blessing, President Obama should cast a new vision for peace between Israel and the Palestinians.

Currently we are formulating The Jerusalem Connection Peace Plan that will be presented to President Obama and others in authority. It will be based on the immutable covenants and promises of God for a national homeland for the Jewish people. President Obama could be an “Agent of Change” highly esteemed by God, if he bases his Israel-Palestinian policies on God’s word. The alternative is frightening for him, for our nation and the whole world. Did Bob Dylan see something we didn’t see, in his 1979 classic, when he warned of impending judgment “There’s a slow, slow train comin’ up around the bend?”

Jim Hutchens is President of The Jerusalem Connection, International and editor of The Jerusalem Connection Report.

By Jim Hutchens

As the United States receives its new President and Israel will be soon to follow, we need to remember what God says about the authorities he places over us. For example the prophet Daniel says, “The Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and places over them anyone He wishes and sets over them the lowliest of men.” (Daniel 4:17). The Apostle Paul confirms this when he says, “There is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” (Romans 13:1). We must conclude therefore that the ballot box is the means by which God establishes His chosen authorities over us in the United States. LORD, Have Mercy!

There was much prayer by God’s people that preceded this election. Did God answer these prayers? I believe He did in His way. Was this election a reprieve or a rebuke to God’s people? This I do know, God is continuing to work in His people because of the dark and demanding days ahead. The Scriptures are clear, regardless of what the politicians and pundits say, it’s going to get a lot worse — end-time-worse, before it gets better. “This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of the saints who obey God’s commandments and remain faithful to Jesus.” (Revelation 14:12).

In anticipation of that, I believe there is a purifying and cleansing work that God is doing within His people a work that calls for repentance on the part of His people. For Christians it means we are going to have to “clean up our act” seek His empowering grace to turn away from “the sin that so easily entangles us.” For Jews it means they are going to have to humble themselves and cry out to God for His help where there is no fear of God. Probably this will not come until there is the viable threat of total annihilation. In any case, before God moves with dispatch among His people as result of their prayers, there is going to have to be spiritual rejuvenation that takes place among His people. LORD, Have Mercy!

For too long we have looked to government as God and to politicians as saviors. Nothing could be further from the truth. The solutions we seek can never be provided by governments; they are basically spiritual problems that can only be solved with spiritual answers. Whether it’s the economy that has been driven by greed and deception or the threat of Islamic Jihadists that want to destroy us we must seek the Word of God for our answers. Enough of the egalitarianism of political correctness; enough of the nonsense that we are all seeking the same God through different religions; enough of the naive notion that our enemies can be appeased, and enough of the elected leaders that try to sell us this pig in a poke. And where does this all begin?

I believe it begins with Christians. The Apostle Peter said, “For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God: and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?” (I Peter 4:17). God tells us, Humble yourselves, therefore under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time.” As many of us have had to learn the hard way, if we don’t humble ourselves, God has a way of humbling us that often times is embarrassing and painful and results in great sorrow to ourselves as well as those we love. Paul tells us, “If we judged ourselves, we would not come under judgment. When we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world.”  (I Corinthians 11:31-31).

I believe God is saying to His people, we need to humble ourselves, exercise self-judgment, turn from our self-centered sin and be healed. Remember the promise of God, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (II Chronicles 7:14). LORD, Have Mercy!

Recognizing the spiritual dimension of the enormous problems we face, whether the collapse of our economy, the ever-pressing threat of Islamic Jihadists, or the corruption and cover-up of our leaders, does not preclude action on the human level. There must be major surgery on our whole political system. Leaders must be held accountable. Jihadists must be hunted down and destroyed preemptively. Transparency must be insured in our economic system to reveal and punish the crooks.

As we come to the season of Thanksgiving and celebrate the coming of our Savior and Messiah at Christmas as we think of the miraculous provision of oil for the Temple as we celebrate Chanukah, we need to remember how God has richly blessed us as a people and a nation. What have we that we have not received from God’s gracious hand? We need to remember there is no god like our God the God of Israel the God and Father of our Lord Jesus our Messiah. We need to remember that “Our God will meet all our needs according to His riches in glory in Messiah Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19). At the same time we need to remember the LORD’s question to us, “Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place? But also remember His answer, “He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false. He will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from God his Savior.”
(Psalm 24:4).

We need you O LORD. By your grace, help us to be all that you would have us to be.
LORD, Have Mercy!

Jim Hutchens is President of The Jerusalem Connection, International and editor of The Jerusalem Connection Report.

By Jim Hutchens

Everyone agreed—the moment was electric. The climate, context and occasion were perfect. Who could say it better and with greater poignancy? The occasion was Christians United for Israel’s National Night to Honor Israel in Washington, D.C., on July 22, 2008. With quiet authority, Sen. Joe Lieberman stood and announced, “I am your brother Joseph.” Wow! Did he say what I think he said? Is he saying he is a brother to thousands of Christian Zionists gathered at this conference? Right then, the benediction could have been pronounced. All could have gone home blessed beyond their greatest expectations.

The identification was obvious—at least to those who know their Bible. Joseph, a son of Jacob, now the vice-regent of Egypt, had been abandoned and sold into slavery by his own brothers. Years later, when famine and hard times hit, Joseph’s father Jacob sent his other sons to Egypt to buy food. Joseph identified himself to his brothers, provided food and, thus, saved Israel.

Perhaps Sen. Lieberman meant that, although Christians have not proven to be “good brothers” throughout much of history, now in his place of power, he can say he is one with us. He might have been alluding to being abandoned by many of his biological brothers and his “brothers” in the Senate after questioning the Bush administration’s “Road Map to Peace” and endorsing Sen. John McCain for president. (Although he was forced to run as an Independent in the last election in his home state of Connecticut, because of a lack of Democratic support, he returned victorious to the Senate.)

When Sen. Lieberman said, “I am your brother Joseph,” he was not disavowing his Jewish brothers or other Jewish politicians; his words spoke blessing and bonded him with his “in-grafted” Christian Zionist brothers. Few missed the importance. The senator then added, “You have come to Washington as Americans of faith with a purpose. You are Christians, united for Israel. May God bless you for, and in, your work.” Indeed, the senator’s statement was both given and received graciously. Sen. Lieberman said he was strongly advised not to attend this meeting, yet both his presence and his speech confirmed recognition of an incredible phenomenon occurring today.

The name Christians United for Israel speaks for itself. However, history and even eternity may well record that the most important contribution CUFI (under Pastor John Hagee) has made has been to deepen the trust and broaden the support of the Jewish people for Christians, and especially for Christian Zionists. Scurrilous attacks by some of the “Medianites” (the press) on Pastor Hagee have served only to mobilize Jewish support further. This only helps to close the gap and to strengthen the ties between Jews and Christians as together we face the perilous times ahead—and those times may be closer than we think.
 
Is the confirmation of the covenant coming soon?

A picture of Sept. 13, 1993, is still indelibly etched in my mind. Pres. Bill Clinton hosted Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and Yasser Arafat, representing the Palestinians, on the south lawn of the White House. President Clinton was confirming the Oslo Accords on which Rabin and Arafat had just agreed. It was an event that had the possibility of huge Biblical implications—“In what way?” some might ask.

Thousands of years ago, the prophet Daniel wrote of a future covenant/agreement that would be confirmed by a world leader (called Anti-Christ in I John 2:18 and Man of Lawlessness in II Thessalonians 2:8). The covenant would be with Israel, among others, and would begin Daniel’s last prophetic period of seven years (Daniel 9:27). The prophet adds, “In the middle of the seven [-year period, or after three-and-a-half years], he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on a wing of the temple he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him.” Jesus refers to this same “abomination of desolation” in Matthew 24:15. Two partial fulfillments of this prophecy occurred—with Antiochus Epiphanes in 168 B.C. and with Titus in A.D. 70. However, the specific prophecy Jesus referred to will be immediately followed by a time of “great tribulation unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again” (24:21). Jesus said, “Immediately after the tribulation of those days … the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky” (24:29). Messiah becomes the Closer—He comes in power and glory!

To summarize, the seven-year countdown to the Messiah’s coming begins with the confirmation of a covenant/agreement made between Israel and others. The obvious implication is that a Temple or worship system is built and that sacrifices are offered during the three-and-a-half years leading up to the “middle of the seven.” It is then that a World Leader installs the “Abomination of Desolation.” The final three-and-a-half years leading up to Armageddon and Messiah’s return will be a time of unprecedented tribulation in the world.

When the world saw President Clinton confirm a covenant/agreement between Prime Minister Rabin and Yasser Arafat in 1993, many of us asked, “Is this it? Is this the confirmation of Daniel’s 9:27 covenant?” Obviously, it was not.

Now, comes President Bush with a full court press for an agreement between Israel and the Palestinians—one he can confirm by the end of his administration in 2008. Both Prime Minister Olmert of Israel and President Abbas of the Palestinians say it is unlikely such an agreement, especially concerning Jerusalem, will be reached in 2008. Still, Condoleezza Rice relentlessly pursues “the contours of an agreement” before the end of the Bush administration. Will this begin the countdown? Only time will tell. Perhaps it will be the next president, building on this administration’s efforts, who will confirm the covenant. Or it might be another world leader in another place at another time.

Jesus said this: “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father” (Matthew 24:36). But this we do know—there is a divinely appointed countdown to come. It will begin when a world leader confirms a covenant or an agreement between Israel and others. Shortly after, we should expect to see the building of a third Temple or a Holy Place where an altar and a sacrificial system will be reinstituted.

Therefore, watch for a confirmation of a covenant, remembering Jesus’ words, “When these things begin to take place, stand up, lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:28). This is not a time to despair. It is a time to watch and to pray. It will be a time for Jews and Christians to stand even closer together, as our brother Sen. Joseph Lieberman so eloquently reminded us—looking for the coming of Messiah.

Jim Hutchens is President of The Jerusalem Connection, International and editor of The Jerusalem Connection Report.

The definitive teaching about Jews and Israel in the New Testament is Romans chapters 9-11 , Paul’s letter to the Gentile followers of Jesus Christ in Rome. This text voices significant admonitions to Gentile believers concerning what they should not do regarding the Jews.

Romans 9-11 follows one of the clearest statements in the Bible about the confident security of our eternal salvation that we have as the beloved people of God. Romans 8:31-39 proclaims:

“What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all–how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died–more than that, who was raised to life–is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Now if this is true of us who confess Christ, and we most certainly believe it is, then what are we to make of the “everlasting covenants” that God has promised to the Jews? Are they no longer in effect? Have they been so completely fulfilled in Christ that they have no continuing validity for Jews? Has God, in fact, totally rejected the Jews because of their sin, unbelief and disobedience? Paul answers these questions in Romans 9-11.

In summary, Paul connects God’s continuing work with the Jewish people with Isaiah’s prophecy concerning “the remnant.” “Though the number of the Israelites be like the sand by the sea, only the remnant will be saved.”  [Romans 9:27 quoting from Isaiah 10:22.]

Paul further identifies himself with this “remnant” when he says, “I ask then, did God reject his people? By no means! I am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin. God did not reject his people. …So too, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace.” [Romans 11:1-2, 5.]  Finally, Paul sees the “remnant” as being the present continuation of the faith of the Patriarchs and the covenant community that he identifies as the “root” in the Olive Tree metaphor of Romans 11:17-24.

Paul tells us in Romans 11:25, the Olive Tree metaphor is a mystery. The mystery  unveiled is that Gentiles who believe in Jesus are now grafted into the “root” or the “remnant.” In Ephesians 3:6 Paul states the new mystery relationship this way, “This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.” We must note that believing Gentiles do not become physical Jews in this new mystery relationship. However they do have a spiritual “citizenship in Israel – fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household.” [Ephesians 2:12, 19.] This mystery relationship appears to be what Paul is referring too when he speaks of the “Israel of God.” [Galatians 6:16.]

In the Olive Tree metaphor of Romans 11:17-24, Gentile believers are referred to as a “wild olive shoot” that have been “grafted in” to the original olive root, in other words, the believing Jewish remnant. It is at this point that Paul gives his admonitions against negative haughty attitudes evidently existing in his day and expressed by believing Gentiles toward Jews. In giving these admonitions he is anticipating these same attitudes that are pervasive today among Gentile believers. There are four admonitions.

The first, “do not boast,” is found in verse 18. This speaks to a prideful attitude that sees Gentile believers or Christians as superior to Jews and in some cases as having replaced them as the covenant people of God. Paul declares that no such replacement has taken place. He further clarifies by saying in effect, “let’s get one thing straight,” “You do not support the root, but the root supports you.” That is to say, we as Gentile believers are dependent on our Jewish spiritual linkage, not vice versa.

The second, “do not be arrogant,” is found in verse 20. The word used here means “high minded” or having a superior and condescending attitude on the part of Gentiles to Jews. Paul’s warning here is indeed a stern and solemn one. God did not put up with arrogant, disobedient and obnoxiously unbelieving Jews in the past. Be careful to continue in His kindness and grace.

The third, “do not be ignorant,” is found in verse 25. Here the Apostle is calling for knowledge and understanding of the “mystery.” Clearly the context is speaking of the mystery of the Olive Tree. Paul is obviously referring to the mystery, heretofore unknown, but now revealed, “that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.” [Ephesians 3:6.]  Paul is speaking to a problem that pervades the Gentile believing community today and it is one of ignorance. Most Christians simply don’t have the first clue that they are inseparably linked to our Jewish root. As such, many of us are like an orphan who doesn’t know his parents. It is a matter of gross ignorance based on lack of clear knowledge from God’s Word.

The fourth, “do not be conceited,” is also found in verse 25. Literally the words mean, do not be “wise in yourself” or have an attitude of “self-exalting wisdom.” Paul is telling believers not to be conceited about the goal of salvation for both Israel and the Gentiles.  Paul refers to both when he says, “Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in.” That is to say, the day is coming when the remnant of Israel will be significantly enlarged by ethnic Jews and will include the full number of Gentiles that have come in, and in this way, “all Israel will be saved.”

Until that time, Paul’s admonitions to Gentile believers remain in effect. Basically, these admonitions are directed against a willful and prideful ignorance on the part of Gentile believers in Christ regarding their vital and inseparable connection with Jews as a people as well as the believing Jewish remnant. Since it is impossible to know what Jews will ultimately constitute that remnant, we are exhorted to follow Paul’s further admonition:

“Just as you were at one time disobedient to God have now received mercy as a result of their disobedience, so they to have now become disobedient in order that they too may now receive mercy as a result of God’s mercy to you.”  [Romans 11:30-31.]

Of all the plans to enlarge the Jewish remnant, proactively showing them mercy appears to be the Biblical means of moving them to jealousy and avoiding Paul’s negative admonitions of Romans 11.

Jim Hutchens is President of The Jerusalem Connection, International and editor of The Jerusalem Connection Report.