Supporting the Killing of Christians--

A friend and reader of this blog sent me a link to a very interesting blog by Joel Richardson on the rise of Christianity in Iran.   This inspired me to look into the spread of Christianity in the Muslim world.  What I found is amazing and needs to be shared with as many Christians as possible.

Every day there is a call from both liberals and conservatives in our government to have a preemptive strike on the nation of Iran.  The Iranian threat is such that the very security of the world depends on Iran not having nuclear weapons.  Both Jewish Zionist and Christian Zionist are calling for war on Iran. 

What I found in my quick research of what may be the most important story of the day and is being downplayed in America-- Iran is experiencing a revival of the Christian faith.  This may be the largest revival that may be only rivaled by the Chinese.  A longtime missionary to Iran says that “the rate of growth of Christianity in Iran is unprecedented for a Muslim country, especially for Iran. We’ll hear that in a certain city there are 200 house churches, whereas there were none before.”

As Muslims are told of Jesus Christ they become attracted to Christianity.  Jesus Christ becomes everything they have longed to experience in their religion—a personal relationship with a God that loves them.  They have never experienced forgiveness, the assurance of salvation, and the personal relationship with the Savior.  They have longed for a living God rather than a religion that has given them an empty life.  Persecution against Christians who have converted from Islam has only increased the number of converts to Jesus Christ.

The church in Iran has been isolated from the rest of the Christian community.  Today they are connected with the outside world through the Internet.  The church in Iran has grown from a few hundred to several hundred thousand.  Iran still remains one of the worst places in the world for a Christian to live their faith.  Christians do not have the same rights of Islamic citizens.  Christians are arrested, interrogated, tortured, and killed for their faith in Jesus Christ.

"Muslims are also coming to Christ in record numbers, over a million Muslims in Iran alone in the last 15 years." - Joel Rosenberg, author and political advisor to former Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed this on the CNN Glen Beck program on 04/27/07.  Five years later how many more have converted?

With that said, why would I, as a Christian, encourage my government to make war on over a million Christians? We have not been called to war against the Body of Christ. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Eph.  6:12

This is not about the right or wrong of war, this about Christians supporting the killing of Christians.  As Americans we often forget that there are Christians in countries like Iran, Iraq, China, Russia, and Egypt.  It is so easy to forget that there are those who have remain faithful to the cause of Jesus Christ and are witnesses to the changing power of the Gospel.  Have we as the American Christian forgotten that we are supporting the killing of fellow brother and sisters when we support the war on countries like Iran?   It is hard to determine the terrorist from the Christian when bombs are being dropped at thousands of feet above the target.

Look at how we have been drawn into an activity that is contrary to all Christian principles.  The leaders who are pushing these wars are from both political parties and from the Christian Zionist who are part of the Christian Right.  The warmongers are amoral, unethical, deceitful, and manipulative. These people are without social and legal standards they have no remorse, they are without love or concern to human suffering.  To put it mildly they are psychopaths set on global conquest and dominance.  As Christians we cannot allow these warmongers to draw Christians into wars that take the live of other Christians.  We cannot allow them to make war on a country without making them aware of killing our brothers and sisters in Christ without speaking out against their actions.  

Does this mean that I am not concerned about the evil that countries like Iran, Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, India, Pakistan, China, North Korea, Egypt and Israel perpetrate upon their citizens who are Christians?  No, I am concerned about the evil these countries carry out against our brothers and sisters in Christ.  It is wrong and we as Christian should not support the evil actions of those who would use us to support their global domination. 

There is no doubt that some evangelical Christians have been caught up in the political struggle within our country.  Among some evangelicals who are part of the Christian Right there is the theological belief that we must bring about a change in the world before the LORD returns.  What is the most disturbing part of this theological belief is that Christians have become partners with the evil global domination leaders and have given their support to covert wars, preemptive strikes and a disregard for human life.  All this has been wrapped in a cloak of Patriotism.  We are told we are protecting our Christian roots and freedom.  I believe in protecting our freedom, I believe it is important to be involved in our government and community to bring about a better place to live and worship but not at the cost of taking the lives of Christians in countries we have declared to be enemies of freedom. 

We cannot allow our patriotism to come before our principles of Christianity by supporting the killing of Christians.  The next time someone who say we need to bomb Iran, remind them that there are Christians living in Iran and there are Muslims who are converting daily to the message of God’s love. 

It is better that we learn to live in peace and that no lives are lost, than to be in a constant state of war and lose both peace and life.

Killing Children-- Horrible or Justified?

This past week is verification that evil is rampant in the world today. The shooting of little children and adults by an individual who dressed as the personification of the Evil Joker shows us how far we have slide down the road of immorality.  I listen to the “talking heads” who tell us how horrible this action is, and then in the next news segment, they support the preemptive air strike of Iran, not caring that many little children will be killed.  Where is the sense in all this?

This attitude is no more than a repeat of the Iraq War.  If you remember this interview you will understand.  In a 60 Minutes interview, Lesley Stahl asked, Madeleine Albright about the sanctions against Iraq, “We have heard that a half million children have died.  I mean, that's more children than died in Hiroshima. And, you know, is the price worth it?”  Secretary of State Madeleine Albright said “ I think this is a very hard choice, but the price--we think the price is worth it.” How can the death of 500,000 children be acceptable?  You have to be evil to accept this price for a false democracy. 

The Prince of the World has blinded the eyes of the every elect of God.  The same argument will be used to launch a war against Iran-- they must be STOPPED!  Who cares about the innocent that will die?  It matters not who starts the war, it will being soon at the cost someone's child.

This brings me to the change in Christianity from love to hate.  I hear the “experts” on world events tell us that we should “smite the enemies of Israel”.  I am amazed at the messages coming from the American pulpits of destruction, aggression, revenge, fear and arrogance and pure hate.  What happened to the message of hope, forgiveness and salvation?   The Church has come to the point that killing the “enemies of Israel” equates to destroying evil. We need to be more concerned about getting our own families within the Kingdom of God than protecting a country that only uses us for their own benefit.

The Church has forgotten the Sermon on the Mount.  The Church has chosen to live under the Law in relationships with those who are “enemies”.   Jesus changed the Law, to give us a deeper spiritual life.  The “eye for and eye and a tooth of a tooth is past,  …love your enemies and bless those who curse you--is something we have forgotten.  Christians were to be a people who would be known by the fruit of the spirit--love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, self-control; not with hate, sorrow, war, meanness, evil, abusive and immoral traits.

The Church has fallen victim to the manipulation of an evil media who are pro-Zionist.  Many of those in the national media are enemies of the Church and Jesus Christ.  They have only one goal, and it is not the salvation of souls.   They could care less the number of innocent people who will be sacrificed to accomplish their goal of world domination.  What is sad is the number of nationally prominent “evangelical” ministers who have fallen under the spell of the Great Deceiver.  Just as the national media has deceived our nation, the religious media moguls have preached a message of deceit and have joined with the synagogue of Satan to deceive the elect.   There are those in the Church who believe they are supporting the fight against evil as described by the national and religious media but are fight against God.

Have you ever wondered how you would feel if your family and friends were victims of military action, like that carried out by the US?  How would you react to a country that destroyed the water treatment plants, then restricted chlorine and other necessary water treatment supplies, because they wanted an explosion of water-borne disease?  America has done this with great results.  Disease spread due to the inadequate water treatment and poor sanitation.  On top of this we restricted medicines from being transported into the country; we bombed the vaccine facilities claiming them to be factories of WMD’s.  Our country deliberately created conditions for disease and then withheld the treatment, no different from deliberately introducing a biological weapon.

Where was the love of Jesus in all this?  The way the Church has been manipulated to support the evil acts of the children of Satan is unbelievable.  As a follower of Jesus I believe in the right to life and I believe this right is extended to the children of Iraq and Iran.  I know there are radical Muslims in both Iraq and Iran that are enemies of those who are Christians, but this does not require us to kill the innocent. 

Our Nation is appalled with the killing of a few children in a movie theater and moved with compassion toward the families who have lost their children but what about the killing of little children in countries we think are so evil and our tax dollars pay for the bombs that will take their children's lives?  I am all for the right to life and I feel that should be extended to all children.  It is evil to proclaim the right to life for the unborn and then support the death of young children, born in the unfortunate country we are at war with.

I am not opposed to the war in Iraq and Afghanistan because I am a Quaker, I am opposed because we are acting as evil as the evil we profess to fight against.  The very people who would have us fight the “terrorist” are the same people who deny missionaries into these countries to spread the message of hope and salvation.  Regardless how you look at the Middle East problem the Church—the Body of Christ should not be caught up in the evil desires of the elite manipulators of global control.  However, I am afraid the sheep no longer hear the voice of the Good Shepherd.  They have been led astray by the hireling preachers of prosperity and nationalism.  Yes, I love my country and I am thankful for the freedoms I have at the cost of many brave men and women.  However, I will not stand by and allow the elite manipulators of global domination to trick me into sacrificing  my salvation for nations that are filled with the spirit of the Antichrist and deny the message of salvation to their people.

Do I feel the problems in the Middle East needs to be brought in check?  Yes, I do not agree with the desire of Muslims wishing to coming into our country and change the way we live nor do I agree with the influence Israel has in changing our country to be used for their benefits.  I don’t like countries that want to change my way of worshiping the LORD and will not allow me so much as to share Jesus Christ in their country.  Both the Muslim Nations and the Zionist Israel will not allow Christian missionaries in their country, but does this give me the right to go to war with them and kill those who disagree with me?  No, this is not the way of the true followers of Jesus Christ.  And yet, we have been dragged into conflicts between two religions that both despise us and will kill and destroy us as quickly as they can.   We need to let them handle their own problems and try to show them the way of salvation through Jesus Christ.

I know there are those who think, because they watch the Neocons of Fox News they have the best understanding of the Middle East problem but most of the Neocons on Fox are  Pro-Israeli Zionist who have only the interest of Zionist Israel at heart.  They could care less what happens to America.  Those who watch the Progressives on the liberal news media are no less informed and they too are part of the media owned by the Zionist.  So why has the Church allowed itself to be pulled into a world-wide conflict that has plans for us to be the loser in the end?

What has happened to the spirit of our ancestors who did not resist their torturers and were drowned, burnt at the stake and flogged for their stand for what is right. These true warriors of the Cross followed the example of Christ, and their resistance against the catastrophic effects of the merging of church and state cost them a great price. Churches today have signed onto the government plan and have agreed to look the other way in exchange for tax free privileges.  We are more concerned about losing our 501(c)3 status than our standing with God.  We have sold our spiritual birthright to feed at the trough of a wicked and evil government.

If, for one moment you could step out of the box and look at what is happening in the Church in regards to the Middle East you might be surprised.  There are those in the Church who call themselves “Evangelicals” that are trying to force the Return of Christ.  Using patriotism and nationalism wrapped up in a concern for “Israel”.  If America starts a conflict with Iran it means we will be that much closer to the book of Revelation happening.

These Christians are looking for the destruction Israel and they will get their wish if Iran is attacked.  The Iranians are not going to allow Israeli or American military forces to attack its territory without a major response. Any significant counter-attack on Israel and American regional bases will trigger a much greater counter-response—some are hoping Armageddon.  The Christian Zionist preacher will get richer than they ever dreamed.  They will sell more books and CD's about the soon Return of Christ than ever before.  They will get rich from the death of thousands.

The time is ripe for all this to happen.  The Iranians have equipped and paid for, and trained, a massive unguided rocket and guided missile force in Lebanon (the largest such force in human history).   Who cares if they have nuclear weapons, they have the support of Russia and China who both have nuclear weapons. Right now they have missiles in-place as a MAD force (a MAD ~ mutually assured destruction ~; established to prevent the use of overwhelming military force by allowing a return "punch" of overwhelming military destructive force upon one's enemy). The total number of missiles and rockets in Lebanon are variously estimated at between 40,000 and 110,000. While many are unguided Katyusha rockets, many are longer ranged guided missiles. All are operated by Hezbollah Special Forces launch teams.  

Here is something to think about, the Muslims are looking forward to the final great battle that the Christians call Armageddon.  Muslim believe the end times have arrived when  (Sura 21:96, 27:82, 43:61)  there is gross materialism, women outnumber men, Muslims defeat Jews in battle; Muslims and Christians battle unbelievers  together, the Muslims defeat Christians in battle.  All this is preceded by an increase in bloodshed and war, contraction of time, religious knowledge decreases and there is a prevalence of the ungodly.

So, what do the Jews think?   They believe there are ten signs that will happen before the Messiah return. (Sanhedrin 97b)  The world is either all righteous or guilty (let guess on this one-guilty), truth is in short supply, inflation will soar, Israel begins to be repopulated, wise people will be scarce, Jews will despair of redemption, the young will despise the old, scholarship will be rejected, piety will be held in disgust and Jews will turn against Jews.

As Christian we do not have time to be caught up in the wars of the world.  The time is short and we must be about the Father’s business.  The mission of the Church is not to force the return of Christ.  There is still work to be carried out.  The fields are white ready for harvest, but where are those who will labor for the Lord?  We cannot afford to become distracted by the signs of the time, the Church has a mission to accomplish and the message of Jesus Christ needs to be a reality in the lives of those who call themselves Christians. We need to stop listening to the lying messages of those who serve Satan and get back to the message of the Gospel by lifting up Jesus Christ.

The Trail of the Serpent

WARNING NOT FOR THE DECEIVED

The mathematician and philosopher Blasie Pascal once said: “If you do not believe in God, and he exists, you have a problem.  If you believe in God and he does not exist, you have no problem.

If you believe God exists, then Satan also must exist.  Satan is the personification of evil, the antithesis of a good God.   Satan uses his evil power to corrupt, deceive and pollute the hearts, souls and minds of those he needs to reach his aims and ambitions of destroying everything that is dear to God and become the Supreme Ruler of earth.  He has left his trail of destruction all through the history of mankind.

From the day that Satan entered into the serpent and deceived Eve into believing that she could become a god there has been a conflict for the soul of man.  God created man in His own image and declared him to be perfect.   Not only did God create man in His own image he gave a command to Adam to multiply, replenish and to have dominion over the earth.  This was the domain of Satan and God had given it to Adam and his descendants.  Satan set about to destroy the soul of man and reign as the Supreme Ruler of earth.

After being cast out of the Garden and cursed by God it looked as if Satan had won. However, God gave Adam and Eve hope and also a warning of the coming conflict between the seed of the serpent and the seed of the woman:

Genesis 3:15  And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

Not only was this a promise of hope through grace it was also a prophecy of the coming Redeemer.   Satan never saw  this coming.  If he was to overthrow man he would need to change his plans.  The warning from the LORD was hatred between the seed of the serpent and the seed of the woman.  Just as God is building His Kingdom, so is Satan building his own kingdom.  God would use redeemed men to build his Kingdom and Satan would use reprobate men to build his.  All through the history of mankind the seed of the serpent has fought against the seed of the woman.

We can trace the trail of the Serpent’s seed by comparing the deeds throughout history.  We can identify those who are his followers by comparing their lives with the Word of God.  The seed of the woman is Light and Truth, the seed of the serpent is darkness and deceit.  There can be no fellowship between the children of Light and the children of Darkness.  They are at enmity with one another.

Satan now plans to destroy the possibility of the coming Redeemer by polluting the bloodline.  Noah however, has remained pure and was spared the destruction of the flood.  From his three sons came the three branches of the human race.  Satan had not counted on Noah remaining pure and righteous.  He again had to alter his plan.

Also a prophecy came from Noah concerning his sons that would later become revealed in the Book of Revelation.  And Noah woke from his wine, and learned what his younger son had done unto him. And he said, Cursed be Canaan: a servant of servants shall he be unto his brethren. And he said, Blessed be the Lord God of Shem; and Canaan shall be his servant. God shall enlarge Japheth, and he shall dwell in the tents of Shem; and Canaan shall be his servant.  Noah was able to see the future in this blessing and how it would change the line of Shem.

A short lesson in genealogy is important to lay the ground work for what would become the greatest hoax in the history of mankind and how Satan has used this hoax to deceive the very elect and bring death and destruction the Chosen People of God—the real children of Israel. 

The prophets cried out against "marrying daughters of a strange god", yet the People of God continued to marry daughters of pagan worshipers.  The biblical prohibition of marrying Gentiles exempted female captives in times of war - and there was no shortage of them. The Babylonian exile did not improve racial purity; even members of priestly families married Gentile women. In short, at the beginning of the Diaspora, the Israelites were already a thoroughly hybridized race.   In addition, there were vast numbers of people of varied races who converted to Judaism.  Japheth was already “dwelling in the tents of Shem”.

 First, Japheth’s descendants would not be the lineage in which the Redeemer would come.   From Japheth came Gomer whose son was Ashchenaz.  Ashchenaz  first settled in what is today Armenia.  He was also found in the land of Gomer, his father’s land-- Gomer, who would be the father of the Germanic race. German Jews are still known today as Ashkenazim.  How did the lineage of Japheth become the largest part of the Jewish race?  Conversion and intermarriage changed the purity of the “Jewish people”.

The Ashkenazi Jews, who now compromise the largest percentage of the Jews in the world, had a rather strange beginning. According to historians and many of them Jewish authorities, explain the Ashkenazi Jews came into existence about 1,200 years ago. It happened this way:  At the eastern edge of Europe, there lived a tribe of people know as the Khazars. About the year 740 A.D., the Khazar king and his court decided they would adopt a religion for their people. So, representatives of the three major religions, Christianity, Islam and Judaism, were invited to present their religious doctrines. The Khazars chose Judaism, but it wasn't for religious reasons. If the Khazars had chosen Islam, they would have angered the strong Christian world. If they had chosen Christianity, they would have angered the strong Islamic world. So, they played it safe - they chose Judaism. It wasn't for religious reasons the Khazars chose Judaism; it was for political reasons.

Sometime during the 13th century, the Khazars were driven from their land and they migrated westward with most of them settling in Poland and Russia. These Khazars are now known as Ashkenazi Jews. Because these Khazar Ashkenazi Jews merely chose Judaism, they are not really bloodline descendants of the children of Jacob. 

At this point I am sure the Zionist Jew and Christian Zionist will not find this important since the establishment of the nation Israel is more important than to who the Promise Land was given.  The forced return of "Jews" to Israel is the plan of Satan using the "seed of the serpent" the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie." these reprobates have only one goal--to set up the kingdom of Satan.  Bloodline is what determines the descendants of Jacob not conversions or intermarriage. It is bloodline that qualifies the descendants of Abraham to possess the Promise Land.  That is why it is important to understand the connection with Japheth and Shem.

It was through Shem the Messiah would come.  The Redeemer would come through Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Judah and not through Japheth, Gomer and Ashkenazi.  Today we have two prophecies being fulfilled.  The first is, “Japheth dwells in the tents of Shem” and the seed of Serpent is found in the synagogue of Satan.  

In the Book of Revelation Jesus said concerning the Children of Light and Truth and the seed of Satan, “I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. Rev. 2:9  Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie, behold, I will make them come and worship before they feet and to know that I have loved thee. Rev 3:9

 

Satan has failed all through the history of man to carry out his plan.  He failed with polluting the bloodline of man, he failed at the cross, he failed at the tomb, he failed in the Arenas of Rome, and he failed in the Crusades.  So how could he complete his plan?  It would be important to undermine all faith, to remove the very principle of faith in God by diverting man’s desire.  Rather than seeking first the Kingdom of God, Satan moved the desire of all nations to be swallowed up in the pursuit of material gain.  In order to deceive the very elect, Satan has distracted man from his spiritual life with amusements like video games, passions for sports of all kinds, and working for the life of retirement on a beach somewhere.  These distractions will consume the time and leave very little for spiritual reflection and growth.   The bottom line is Satan has blinded the eyes of the followers of God with success, materialism and amusements.  He has used the “seed of the serpent” those who call themselves Jews to blind the eyes of the followers of God.  Men and women he has put into power to deceive mankind has done their job.  This part of his plan is working.  

It is the desire of Satan to destroy the Chosen People of God- the true Israelite and those whom the Redeemer has purchased with his own blood the true Christian.  He has set in motion his plan to deceive the world and bring about the destruction of the people God loves and become the Supreme Ruler of the earth.

So what is the plan?  Get the world to hate the Jews, Muslims and Christians to destroy faith in God.  This plan has been in play for many years, Christians killing Jews and Muslims, Jew killing Christians and Muslims, and Muslims killing Jews and Christians.  Much of this hatred has been propagated by the infiltration of “the seed of the serpent” into all three religions.  Satan’s children has created in these last few year a hatred among all three religions that has brought a “war on terrorism” that is no more than Satan’s effort to destroy all three religions and faith in God.  The world is so weary of Christians, Jews and Muslims fighting each other that religion is no longer attractive to those in need of hope. 

Americans faith in organized religion/church is currently at the lowest ever since Gallup's institutions poll first began in 1973. According to a Gallup poll, the number of Americans who have faith in organized religion is at an all-time low. Only 44 percent of Americans today have a lot of confidence in organized religion, compared to 66 percent in 1973 when organized religion or church was the highest rated institution in Gallup's "confidence in institutions measure.”

In the past few years the Serpent has wrapped his coils around every facet of life in a powerful grip of lies and deceit.  He has positioned his children in every area of life: employment, education, politics, and religion.  These followers of the serpent have become power seekers who misuse their power creating disorder, universal economic failure, and unrest among the citizens.  Their abuse of power will initiate the overthrown of the abusers and open the door for anarchy.  Satan has orchestrated the economic chaos in the world today, the governments being overthrown in the Middle East, the fear of “terrorist” and the discontent with among workers.  

Satan has used his chosen people to create poverty.  When people are burdened with making ends-meet they have very little time for their own spiritual life.  Financial poverty has been the downfall of man good people.  Today people are finding themselves slaves to debt.  They have become the slave to a financial burden that has no solution.  Not only have individuals fallen into this economic trap of failure but cities, towns, states and countries are now at the mercy of the world “money changers” who are no more than the “seed of the serpent.”  People are in such financial straits they are will to sell their freedom and liberty for a few “shekels”.  Many are working to put their saving in a bag with holes—never getting ahead.  

In America, the unemployment has reached a level that is creating unrest and frustration among the American worker.  The economic condition is our country is the same all over the world.  The unrest in the streets has centered on the redistribution of wealth.  Class warfare has been promoted by “the children of the serpent” to bring chaos to the nations.

Satan must bring about total dissatisfaction with the present form of governments and religions in order to become the Supreme Ruler.  Satan has positioned his children in every government and religion in the world.  Their task is to overthrow all established order.  When the world is in turmoil and ravished by war, famine, and economic ruin and everyone is ready to sacrifice their liberty and freedom for peace and safety, then Satan will make his move.   He will provide a world-wide solution to the problems of man for a price—the willful surrender of freedom, liberty and the worship of Satan as the Supreme Ruler.

When will this happen?  It is happening right now.  There are those who blame the Jewish people for all the problems in the world.  But the greater picture is not to be laid at the feet of the Jewish people but “the seed of the serpent”- the Children of Darkness who are carrying out the plan of Satan, they may call themselves Jews but they are not. These people have stolen the identity of the true children of Jacob—they are the “seed of the serpent”.  The ultimate goal of Satan is not to gain control of the Promise Land but the entire world.  Jerusalem will be turned into a supreme capital of the world and the rebuilt temple the throne of Satan.   Religion will be outlawed; freedom and liberty will be replaced with oppression and the synagogue of Satan.  

Why is all this happening?  This is a spiritual conflict that started before the creation of man.  Satan and God have been in conflict since he was cast from heaven. Satan is determined to destroy or control everything dear to God.  Look at what has been the center of this conflict and why Satan hates everything God loves.

1.       Man- created in the image of God.  The center of God’s love.  “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son…” John 3:16 

2.       The Plan of Redemption- “But God commends his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”  Romans 5:8

3.       The City of Jerusalem- Ps. 46:4 “There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.”  Jer. 3:17  “ . . . they shall call Jerusalem the throne of the LORD. . .”

4.       Israel the Chosen People-  Deuteronomy 7: 6: “For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God; the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth. The Lord did not set His love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people.

5.       The Church- 1 Peter 2: ⁹ But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light; ¹⁰ Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

The power of Satan is determined by the boundaries set by God.  He lacks the power to defeat God, but he can turn the object of God’s love against Him, he can turn the city of God into an abomination, and he can destroy faith in the redeeming power of God.

What can Christians do? 

1.       Make sure of your salvation. "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if [there be any] wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Psalm 139:23-24  "Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. " Matthew 24:44  

       (Don't let the cares of this life become so consuming that you have no time for spiritual things.)

2.       Strengthen your faith—study to be approved-- to rightly divide truth.

3.       Understand that the time is short- Now is the accepted time- Today is the day.

4.   Put your trust in the LORD. Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding.

5.     Be the witness you have been called to be-- Isaiah 43:10-13 (King James Version)¹⁰ Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. ¹¹ I, even I, am the Lord; and beside me there is no savior.  ¹² I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, that I am God.

1 Thessalonians 5 5 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.  ² For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.  ³ For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.  ⁴ But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.  ⁵ Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.  ⁶ Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.  ⁷ For they that sleep-- sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.  ⁸ But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.  ⁹ For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,  ¹⁰ Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.