This issue tells how the Abrahamic Covenant affects current events in the Middle East, gives another reason why Jerusalem must not be divided, uncovers a movement within the U.S. Treasury Department to incorporate Shiriah Law, offers my perspective on how Christians should respond to today’s troubles, and explains the proper way to write large numbers.
OUR ISRAELI CONNECTION
As we follow events in Israel and the rest of the Middle East, we must never forget the guiding force behind God’s response to it all–His covenants with Israel, especially the Abrahamic Covenant. God is committed to the preservation and restoration (physical and spiritual) of Israel. He has made a promise. His name and reputation are at stake. Add to this the future of Israel as presented in His Word, and we can be confident that Israel will not be destroyed. If only the people of Israel would understand this. As we watch Israel’s enemies positioning themselves to annihilate her, we need to understand that God, in fact, is “drawing the nations with a hook in their jaws” down upon Israel in order to show His power and His defense of His people, despite their disobedience.
The Significance of Jerusalem
Beyond the reasons outlined in the last edition, we must never forget that God’s purpose for this great city was to reveal her Great King, the Lord Jesus. Jerusalem was never meant to be adored as a city or worshiped as an idol. She is important because she is the city of the Great King (see Matthew 5:35). From Abraham’s offering of Isaac on Mount Moriah (Jerusalem) to the future return of Jesus on Mount Olivet (Jerusalem), Jesus is displayed. Dividing this city is tantamount to tearing Christ apart. Those who are pushing for a divided capital either are ignorant of her significance, simply don’t care about her significance, or are outright enemies of God. I will explain more of her significance in future blogs. I cover this topic in detail in my book The Israeli Connection. Click the link to my website.
IT’S NEWS TO ME
A change is in the making in the U.S. Treasury Department–submitting to Shariah law–the legal code Islam seeks to impose worldwide under a global theocracy. The U.S. government has been studying the salient features of Islamic banking to fight the ongoing world economic crisis. At breakneck speed this “change” is bringing in “Islamic banking” as a practice better known as “Shariah-Compliant Finance.”
“When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” –Victor Frankl
This quote represents the response God is looking for in His children. Instead of complaining about the mess we’re in, we must ask God to reveal why He placed us here on earth at this point in time. He is asking the real Christians to stand up and be identified. The days of “business as usual” are over. He is looking for those with “extreme faith,” “extreme generosity,” and “extreme desire” to save souls. He wants us to display to the world that “Jesus is enough.” His ability to bless those who obey Him has not been affected by the economic downturn. It’s time to get serious about our faith in the One who controls everything.
WRITING TIPS
Writing Large Numbers
Specific numbers over one hundred, except isolated numbers, are set in numerals. This does not apply to round numbers which are expressed in words.
There were 1,240 people in the town.
There were about twelve hundred people in the town.
If specific numbers and round numbers appear in the same sentence or paragraph, the specific number governs the style.
There were only 1,240 people in the town in 1950, but the population was expected to increase to about 9,000 by 1970.
In a democracy, it’s your vote that counts. In feudalism, it’s your count that votes.
Yet another quality post. I put in a plug for this blog at mine. So, I think most people forget the points you are discussing.
Thanks for the advice. Will put it to work. Tom
I’m a little late in responding, but I appeciate your kind words.