Olive Tree Ministries - prophetic signs, current issues, and the Messianic Jewish movement.

News Watch: Topical

Has God Sent This Delusion?
--> Posted to Jans_Articles for July, 2008

HAS GOD SENT THIS DELUSION?

By Jan Markell
www.olivetreeviews.org

I quote my good friend and ministry colleague Jim Hutchens of "The Jerusalem Connection International" when he says, "The veiled anti-Israel action by the Presbyterian Church USA is nothing less than blatant anti-Semitism." I also agree with him. So what is the issue?

As I write truthful but unpleasant comments about the Presbyterian Church, I know many Presbyterian readers of this do not agree with their church leadership. But at the recent Presbyterian Church USA annual meeting a number of Presbyterian leaders pled passionately for a declaration of solidarity with the Palestinian Arabs. The appeal included a recommendation to adopt a series of anti-Israel measures, including proposals for divestment and for backing a suspension of American military aid to the Jewish state. In essence they called for Presbyterians to side with the Palestinians and take serious shots at the Israelis.
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The Seductive and Subversive "Shack"
--> Posted to Jans_Articles for June, 2008

The Seductive and Subversive "Shack"

By Jan Markell

Many have asked me to comment on William P. Young's ragingly popular book The Shack. Is this work of fiction really Christian? It is called by some as one of Christianity's most influential books. One prominent endorser says it will "leave you craving for God."

Yet people I respect highly, including Dr. Albert Mohler, President of Southern Baptist Seminary, calls it "undiluted heresy." He maintains there is no way it can seriously address the issues of Christian faith.

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Footprints of a Prophet or Tracks of a Wolf?
--> Posted to Jans_Articles for June, 2008

FOOTPRINTS OF A PROPHET OR TRACKS OF A WOLF?

By Jan Markell

I am writing the "inconvenient truth" today. I have been blitzed with e-mails about the Todd Bentley "revival" in Florida. Before you fall for his stories and "signs and wonders," please allow me to make some comments. I realize this will not be received well by many.

This is a Charismatic happening called the "third wave." The "first wave" was Toronto, and it fizzled out. The "second wave" was Pensacola, and it had the same fate. Now Bentley has brought in the "third wave," and folks are coming from around the world for the "anointing." Even the Charisma Magazine editor Lee Grady says -- sounding a warning -- "My inbox has been full of messages from Charismatic leaders who are concerned about everything from Bentley's tattoos and body piercings to his claim that he once interviewed the apostle Paul in Heaven. When I called for scrutiny of some aspects of the Lakeland Revival, I was labeled a Pharisee and a 'religious policeman.' I had suddenly become the enemy." View Full Article

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Obama's Church Departure: Too Little, Too Late
--> Posted to Jans_Articles for June, 2008

OBAMA’S CHURCH DEPARTURE: TOO LITTLE, TOO LATE

By Jan Markell

www.olivetreeviews.org

As Stanley Kurtz from National Review Online states this week, “Having now left Trinity United Church of Christ, can Barack Obama escape responsibility for his decades-long ties to Michael Pfleger and Jeremiah Wright? No, he cannot. Obama’s connections to the radical-left politics espoused by Pfleger and Wright are broad and deep. The real reason Obama bound himself to Wright and Pfleger in the first place is that he largely approved of their political-theological outlooks.”

I agree that his leaving is much too late. But the real question is, Has Obama truly left the theology and politics of the church he has attended without issue for 20 years and the man who mentored him through them? Likely not anymore than I have left the tenets of the faith I had for twenty years in a very solid Evangelical church. Here’s what Obama has supposedly left behind him:

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Disasters: A Magaphone of God?
--> Posted to Jans_Articles for May, 2008

CHRISTIAN WORLDVIEW

DISASTERS: A MEGAPHONE OF GOD?
www.olivetreeviews.org

Chaos hit my neck of the woods May 25. A killer tornado wiped out a part of the St. Paul suburb of Hugo, Minnesota, killing one and injuring many. When it's up close and personal, the heartache is great and there are always legions of people asking "Why?" Did God cause this? He surely allowed it. Or is it just this sinful, fallen planet where tragedy abounds daily? Clearly, 2008 is the "year of the tornado" with new records being set weekly.

God is in charge of nature and nature seems out of control.
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Update on the Islamic Schools You are Paying For
--> Posted to Jans_Articles for May, 2008

UPDATE ON THE ISLAMIC SCHOOLS YOU ARE PAYING FOR

By Jan Markell

www.olivetreeviews.org

Some of you remember the Minnesota taxpayer-funded school I reported on months ago that had all the Islamic trappings. This is a follow up and a “where is the outrage?” column. Let me refresh your memory briefly and bring you up to date. I still fear my great state of Minnesota could become the late-great state of Minnesota.

The Tarik ibn Zayad Academy (TIZA) is a K-8 charter school in Inver Grove Heights, a suburb of St. Paul. Charter schools are public schools and by law must not endorse or promote religion. Evidence suggests, however, that TIZA is an Islamic school, funded by Minnesota taxpayers. A substitute teacher blew the whistle. Students pray daily, the cafeteria serves halal food -- permissible under Islamic law -- and "Islamic Studies" is offered at the end of the school day.

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Can These Bones Live? Israel at 60
--> Posted to Jans_Articles for May, 2008

CAN THESE BONES LIVE? ISRAEL AT 60

By Jan Markell

The miracle of miracles over millennia overlapping all the way to May of 2008 is overlooked by most people. It is the rebirth of the nation of Israel in 1948. It is the most significant and inconceivable miracle in history. Yet the geopolitical gurus around the world would never admit that.

This event was orchestrated by God, but what is that to an unbelieving world? He states, "For thou art a holy people unto the Lord thy God, and the Lord has chosen you to be a peculiar people unto Himself, above all nations of the earth" (Deuteronomy 14:2). Because God is a covenant keeper, not just a covenant maker, He did not do away with that covenant when Israel failed her assignment to be a godly people and a light to the world. One day she will do that.

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Soulforce Marches On
--> Posted to Jans_Articles for May, 2008

CHRISTIAN WORLDVIEW

Soulforce Marches On To Churches and Christian Colleges To Normalize Homosexuality

By Jan Markell
www.olivetreeviews.org

Soulforce is on the march again. On my radio program two years ago, I featured the Provost of Bethel University in St. Paul, MN, my alma mater. The Provost had decided the best option with regards to Soulforce, a militant gay organization led by Mel White, was to welcome them in and let them deal with students as they wished. Other Twin Cities’ Christian colleges had literally barred the doors to protect the students. Bethel gave them a lot of room and grace.

Now, starting this Sunday, Mother’s Day, Soulforce begins a month-long campaign targeting select churches. They have multiple purposes including trying to convince pastors and people that their interpretation of the verses in the Bible condemning homosexuality are misconstrued. They are also there to cause unmitigated mischief.

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The Kingdom of God Won't Come Through Big Government
--> Posted to Jans_Articles for May, 2008

Linda Harvey writes in World Net Daily that Christian churches should have caught on to the quasi-Christianity of Jim Wallis and Sojourners by now. Unfortunately, a "Social Justice Revival" came to her church recently. But sadly, the gospel was hard to find on the podium.

The election year faith posturing could not have been more transparent, yet many young attendees were misled to believe that this might be authentic "revived" Christianity.

She states, "What was on the menu? Perhaps how religion can prop up left-wing priorities like race divisiveness, perpetual poverty, and America-bashing as the important issues 'real' believers should care about, rather than fighting homosexual marriage and abortion."
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The Delusions of Jimmy Carter
--> Posted to Jans_Articles for April, 2008

The Delusions of Jimmy Carter

Commentary on the News
Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Jan Markell

Jimmy Carter traveled to the Middle East this week to meet with, among others, Khaled Meshal, the notorious Hamas commander living in exile in Damascus. This experience of “Carter Follies” is blatantly dangerous.

In Washington, the White House said Carter did not represent the United States in his Mideast tour, and that he was acting in a private capacity. President George W. Bush "is not a supporter of having conversations with Hamas, and we have made that known," spokeswoman Dana Perino said. View Full Article

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Is a Taxpayer-Funded Muslim School Coming to Your Neighborhood?--Markell--April 10
--> Posted to Jans_Articles for April, 2008

Is a Taxpayer-Funded Muslim School Coming to a Neighborhood Near You?

By Jan Markell

www.olivetreeviews.org

I love my home state of Minnesota and don’t want it to take on the title of “the late-great state of Minnesota.” It seems to be a trend-setter when it comes to all things Islamic. Our state elected the first Muslim Congressman, Keith Ellison. And the slow but steady Islamization of Minnesota has been in the news for more than two years.

And it is again. One of our best investigative reporters in the Twin Cities is Katherine Kersten. On April 9 she broke a story in the Minneapolis Star Tribune that a wall of silence has been broken concerning a taxpayer-funded Muslim school in the Twin Cities.

It is the Tarek ibn Ziyad Academy (TIZA), a K-8 charter school in Inver Grove Heights, a suburb of St. Paul. Charter schools are public schools and by law must not endorse or promote religion. Kersten states, “Evidence suggests, however, that TIZA is an Islamic school, funded by Minnesota taxpayers.
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Of Fences and Double Standards
--> Posted to Jans_Articles for April, 2008

Of Fences and Double Standards

By Jan Markell

www.olivetreeviews.org

We are in pretty strange times where double standards abound. A fence is going up. You’d love to hear that it is across our southern border. It isn’t. Your tax dollars instead are going to a fence that the U.S. is helping to build to create a better Egypt-Gaza boundary.

As for progress on a fence in America, Congress passed the Secure Fence Act two years ago requiring nearly 800 miles of double fencing along the U.S.-Mexico border, and Congress further appropriated (on a bipartisan vote) the money to build it. Benchmarks in the Act required 670 miles of the double fence to be completed by now. To date, less than 10 miles of the double fence have been built.

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What is Black Liberation Theology?
--> Posted to Jans_Articles for April, 2008

For the last several weeks the news has been replete with stories about Barack Obama’s pastor, Rev. Jeremiah Wright. You would have to see the news clips to grasp the extremity of his views and intensity of his words. While America is not perfect, to see her cursed in a church pulpit has been troubling, disheartening, and even sickening.

Barack Obama sat under this for 22 years and he wants to have the most powerful position in the entire world: President of the United States. But he didn’t get gospel preaching under Wright—he got instruction that revolves around a belief system called Black Liberation Theology. So what is that? View Full Article

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Gloom and Doom or Our Blessed Hope?
--> Posted to Jans_Articles for March, 2008

Gloom and Doom or Our Blessed Hope?

By Jan Markell

www.olivetreeviews.org

I played a clip on my radio show last weekend (March 8,) which you can hear early in hour 2 at “Radio Archives.”

In part the young woman states:

"The end-times are here, the end-times are here. Gloom and doom, doom and gloom! You hear about it all the time (yes, because we’re in them). I am so sick about hearing about the end-times when we have a job to do. I talked to a friend and she said the Bible said certain things were going to happen. I couldn’t believe it. So we are just to sit back and drop the ball and don’t do anything?

We have radio and TV shows just talking abut the end-times. People actually make a living out of this. Instead of having a meeting as to how the end-times are upon us, shouldn’t we be redeeming the time for the days are evil? We have a whole generation of forgotten kids—forgotten by the church so they can have their meetings on the end-times."

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Did Jesus Live in Occupied Territory?
--> Posted to Jans_Articles for March, 2008

Did Jesus Live in Occupied Territory?

Commentary on the News
Wednesday, March 05, 2008

Jan Markell

The United Methodist Church (UMC) is at it again, although other denominations have engaged in this abysmal behavior as well. Their 225-page report, "Israel-Palestine: A 2007-2008 Mission Study," likens Jews to "monsters" and compares the actions of Israelis to Nazis.

Strange, indeed, when Hamas TV is currently running a kids' special suggesting that they "eat Danes, not Danish pastries." The UMC uses "terrorism" to describe Israeli actions while the actions of Palestinian Arabs are described as "activism." The desire to strap explosives onto oneself has dropped to that level, I guess, in the eyes of the UMC. View Full Article

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Why Must Christianity be Re-Invented?
--> Posted to Jans_Articles for February, 2008

Why Must Christianity Be Re-invented?

By Jan Markell

www.olivetreeviews.org

I, personally, don’t believe it needs to be, but Robert Schuller and friends spent a few days in late January planning how to do it. On my February 9 radio program, “Understanding the Times,” Roger Oakland reported on the event as he was able to attend. He stated that the prominent view from most in attendance was that Christianity as we have known it has run its course and must change. It must be re-invented or it won’t survive. Really?

As Oakland said, focusing on a relationship and not religiosity is what is important; however, true Christianity has survived just about everything including mass slaughter in Sudan. But the faith isn’t being made stronger by such events as Schuller’s “Re-Think” last month. Christianity and the church need not “re-think” and compromise their God-given biblical doctrines to accommodate the world and churches with “straying” theology.

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The Twisted World of Oprah and Friends--Markell
--> Posted to Jans_Articles for February, 2008

The Twisted World of Oprah and Friends

Commentary on the News

Jan Markell

If you haven’t heard of “A Course in Miracles” or the proposed “Peace Alliance,” then please pay attention. “New Age” queen Oprah Winfrey is promoting both, and it seems that what Oprah wants she gets due to her financial status and her loyal fans.

Starting January 1, 2008, she began a daily feature on XM Satellite Radio featuring “A Course in Miracles”—one lesson a day. And also this year, she will have her own television network. View Full Article

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The Cost of Contending
--> Posted to Jans_Articles for January, 2008

The Cost of Contending

By Jan Markell

www.olivetreeviews.org

Last weekend on my radio program, “Understanding the Times,” I dealt with the topic of contending for the faith. I had three guests: Pastor Bob DeWaay and two who had “contended” and run into some bumpy roads. (The two-hour program is posted at “Radio Archives” for January 26.) There is a cost to contending for the faith; one will never win a popularity contest.

Why is it necessary today? Because false theologies and teachers with skewed theology are so admired! Just visit a Christian bookstore. Which authors are prominently featured? Most likely those with the weakest or most incorrect theology. Why? Because publishing houses know they will be the big sellers! I should know. I have been in book publishing a number of years but in the last 10 to 12 years I have had to conclude that major publishing houses will not accept a manuscript of mine in the 21st century. Twenty years ago they took one after another.

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The Truth War
--> Posted to Jans_Articles for January, 2008

The Truth War

By Jan Markell

The prophet Isaiah said in his day that truth had fallen in the street (Isa. 59:14). The situation has intensified in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. That is why John MacArthur’s book, The Truth War, is one of the most important items to have in your possession today.

Every believer should know and have a love for the truth. We are in a generation where for convenience, personal gain, and deception-related issues, it is being ignored by many. I am reminded of the verse, “they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved” (2 Thessalonians 2:10). Thus, Solomon’s wise words, “Buy truth, and do not sell it” (Proverbs 23:23).

As MacArthur states about our climate today, “Contemporary Christians are determined to get the world to like them, and of course in the process they also want to have as much fun as possible. They are so obsessed with making the church seem ‘cool’ to unbelievers that they can’t be bothered with questions about whether another person’s doctrine is sound or not. In a climate like that, the thought of even identifying someone else’s teaching as false, (much less ‘contending earnestly’ for the faith) is a distasteful and a dangerously countercultural suggestion.”

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The Story of 2007: America Distances God
--> Posted to Jans_Articles for January, 2008

Story of 2007: America Distances God

Commentary on the News
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Jan Markell

It gives me no joy to report on what I think is one of the most prominent stories of 2007. America is the most blessed, prosperous nation on earth. God raised this young nation up for several reasons. We have been a gospel light to the world and that remains. We have been Israel's "off-and-on" ally. Our Christian heritage has made us a compassionate nation.

But I see a nation pulling away from the one true God and giving a voice to those who hate God or who have a skewed view of Him. This was personified in 2007.
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Strong Delusion and Funding Our Enemies
--> Posted to Jans_Articles for December, 2007

STRONG DELUSION AND FUNDING OUR ENEMIES

By Jan Markell

Mideast envoy Tony Blair last week praised a Palestinian development plan that seeks $5.6 billion in aid over three years and urged nations around the world to come up with the money. Some 90 countries and international organizations are to meet in Paris this week to consider this request. Describing the plan as "coherent," Blair noted that the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank have also come out in support of this.

Blair states, "This is the moment where if we are not to back the Palestinian endeavor when they are presenting that type of plan in a way that I think they have never done before--if we are not prepared to back them, then we are not prepared to give them a chance."

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Prominent Faith Stories of 2007
--> Posted to Jans_Articles for December, 2007

Prominent ''Faith'' Stories of 2007

Commentary on the News

Friday, December 07, 2007
Jan Markell

While these stories reflect more diminishing discernment in 2007, stay tuned to the end where hope is proclaimed.

* Christian leaders are betraying the Lord for the cause of "world peace." A declaration was released November 23 titled, "Christian Leaders Invite Muslims to Love God, Neighbors Together." Christian leaders responded across denominational lines calling on the two Abrahamic faiths to come together. Nowhere in the Bible are Christians instructed to unite with other religions and their deities. And "world peace" only comes with the coming of the Prince of Peace.
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The New Evangelicalism (revised)
--> Posted to Jans_Articles for November, 2007

The New Evangelicalism
By Jan Markell

When I first filtered into an evangelical church at the age of 14, defining the term "evangelical" was simple, even for a kid my age. Without having to be told, I concluded evangelicals preached a solid gospel, emphasized evangelism and missions, majored in soul-winning and minored in social issues, abstained from some worldly values, were faithful in church attendance, Bible reading, and generally had a biblical worldview. I was never ashamed of the old definition of "evangelicalism."

Those churches are still around, but something has happened in the last twenty years. New leaders are rising and some do NOT preach a solid gospel yet are called evangelicals.

To me, this says today no one is really sure what "evangelicalism" means. When those leaning left such as Tony Campolo and Jim Wallis are called evangelicals, I can tell we have a new day. When "Emergent Church" leaders such as Brian McClaren, Rob Bell, and Erwin McManus are called evangelicals, something is a-miss. This is just blatant false labeling. Wallis is an apologist for Communist causes and is urging that members of the Bush administration be investigated and possibly jailed when out of office.

"The New York Times" states, "A tug of war is unfolding behind the scenes over theology--should evangelicalism be a big tent open to divergent views, or a smaller movement with more pure theology?"

Theology isn't the only issue. Some of today's so-called evangelicals are into global warming, immigration issues, anti-war movements, and other causes that were once found only in churches a part of the World and National Council of Churches. They are involved in ridding the world of AIDS, which is an impossibility, but a noble cause, but is it the cause of evangelicals? Or is it just the old social gospel from which evangelicals fled in the 1940s so a few denominations could focus almost exclusively on soul-winning and Bible teaching?

Now the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) has a new leader and he hails from my hometown, Minneapolis, MN. Rev. Leith Anderson states in "Christianity Today" online that issues to be addressed by the NAE include human rights, creation care, justice and compassion for the poor, torture, and seeking peace in the world. Isn’t this the organization that should be reminding the world that it is racing towards judgment and there may not be a lot of time to repent? It sounds like making the world a better place to live is the new “great commission.”

I am very uneasy when “evangelicals” remind me of social gospel leftists and when sound theology is replaced by feelings and experience. Or when once-sound theologians applaud the new “Christian mysticism” and rally around “unity.” When church-growth methods take center stage and a church has to have a “marketing approach.” I thought God was the “Marketer-in-Chief” of all churches and ministries. He causes or hinders growth and the spiritual maturity of the body matters far more than growth in numbers. Willow Creek’s Bill Hybels has just stated that his “seeker” approach to church is a failure; however, it would appear that he is going to replace it with Emergent-friendly tactics and strategy.

Old fashioned evangelicalism is on life-support and has been snatched in what the Bible calls an “end-time falling away” (II Thess. 2). I see a new “slippery slope” and enormous compromise, and I will not remain silent. Yet the Lord loves His church. He has not forsaken it.

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Calling Evil Good Again
--> Posted to Jans_Articles for October, 2007

CHRISTIAN WORLDVIEW

Very recently a delegation from the NCC praised Ahmadinejad as a pious person and a witty man. "He comes across as a very religious man," said their Associate General Secretary for Interfaith Relations. J. Daryl Byler, Director of the Mennonite Central Committee Washington Office described Ahmadinejad as having a measured tone, sounding reasonable and having a witty personality.

Byer sent a letter to President Bush stating that he wished he would meet with the Iranian leader, calling Ahmadinejad "bright and engaging." Byler went on, "Like you, he is a religious man, Mr. President. I believe you would enjoy one another's company. Your conversation could signal a positive change in a relationship severed more than 25 years ago." Shades of Mike Wallace, I know. He's a man we can do business with.

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Was Jesus' Return a Waste of Time?
--> Posted to Jans_Articles for October, 2007

Was Jesus' Return a Waste of Time?

Commentary on the News

Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Jan Markell

ChristianNet.com recently asked readers to respond to the question, “Are we living in the end-times?” Of the hundreds surveyed, 75% responded positively.

One said, “Everything Jesus spoke about in regards to the signs of the times at His return is happening right before our eyes.” Many of the respondents agreed that what is happening in the world today is fulfilling Bible prophecies regarding the last days. View Full Article

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Christianity Today's Israel-Bashing: This is Loving Israel?
--> Posted to Jans_Articles for September, 2007

In September, "Christianity Today" (C.T.) online came out with an article titled "What it Means to Love Israel." Knowing C.T. has leaned left in recent years, I dared not get my hopes up regarding the report. I'm glad I did not.

I am being kind when I say the article hardly plays fair.
To "Christianity Today," loving Israel means slicing it up geographically and turning over most of the historically Jewish lands to her most bitter enemies. These are enemies who have sworn to destroy her by any means necessary.

But it gets worse. C.T. warns, "Beware of giving the nation (Israel) too much theological meaning..." Excuse me. The Bible is Jewish. Jesus is Jewish. The prophets were Jewish. The apostles were Jewish. The Gospel is to be taken to the Jew first. So what are we to do? Are we to erase or ignore all of this? We would be left with a stripped-down Bible that would make little sense.

The magazine goes on to say that, "True love is sometimes tough love that builds on God's unconditional love. Genesis 12:3 (I will bless those who bless you, Abraham) is often misused as a warm affirmation of anything done for expansion of Israel's influence or borders."

Israel's borders are designed by God! (Gen.15) It's His land. (Lev. 25) He also gets terribly upset at the division of His land. (Joel 3)

Additionally, Israel's borders are expanded only as she seizes territory to defend herself, and then she is expected to return it. In fact, Israel has not "expanded" in 40 years--not since 1967--when its survival was threatened with calls for war and extermination by her Arab neighbors. At that time she took some territory including Judea and Samaria (the West Bank) and Gaza.

Today Gaza has been purged of all Jews and what is left? It is a haven for al-Qaida, Hamas, and other terror groups. What blinds people like "Christianity Today" from seeing that the same will happen when other territory is given up for this glorious Palestinian state? And has there been peace since Israel did this two years ago? Hardly. As this is written, terrorists in Gaza are shelling Israeli schools. The Gaza infrastructure is destroyed and the Palestinians there are penniless and jobless. Before Israel ceded control of Arabs in the region to the Palestinian Authority, the Arabs in the area experienced unprecedented prosperity and freedom known nowhere else in the Arab world.

But "Christianity Today" does not mention the fact that the Palestinians are relegated to a life of tyranny and oppression under the leadership of Mahmoud Abbas and Hamas.

And what about the systematic oppression by same of Arab Christians? Remember, the Palestinian Authority is the precursor to the Palestinian state that C.T. so covets and is the answer to world peace according to the United Nations. How can fellow Christians at "Christianity Today" not spend more time condemning Palestinian nationalism responsible for the slaughter or fleeing of tens of thousands of Arab Christians? In some areas there is ethnic cleansing going on, but no mention of that in the C.T. analysis.

The magazine takes shots at Dispensational Theology and suggests those who hold to that refuse to find any fault in Israel's secular leadership. They can get away with anything and we will look the other way. Please understand that the love for Israel by Dispensationalists and others is not based on the character of the Israelis but rather based on Scripture. It would be disingenuous of us not to criticize the secular humanist approach of some of her leaders.

"Christianity Today" concludes, "In a post-Holocaust world, the security needs of Israel must be honored. At the same time, restorative justice must set aside absolute claims from any parties and find a workable middle ground in which Palestinians can have a viable economic life." Yes, if only their leaders would allow them to do that.

Why is the only negative and critical focus on Israel? She remains "the apple of God's eye," a strong American ally, and the only democracy in a region of the world gone mad. Can't she have a few Christians who unashamedly love her and stand by her? A few Christians who say to the Israelis, "Israel, you are not alone." Yet the term "Christian Zionist" today takes on negative implications, slings, and arrows.

So be it. I am one.

You would benefit by visiting out "Israel" category on the Web site here http://www.olivetreeviews.org/topics/israel.shtml There are some moving visuals provided for you. Also visit our category "Palestine" here http://www.olivetreeviews.org/topics/palestine.shtml but only if you are willing to read the inconvenient truth.

Awaiting His return,
Jan Markell

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Willow Creek and Jimmy Carter
--> Posted to Jans_Articles for August, 2007

CHRISTIAN WORLDVIEW

A big leader in the church-growth movement is Willowcreek Church under the leadership of Pastor Bill Hybels. August 9 to 11 they had their annual Leadership Summit at their church. There were 80,000 in attendance, and the program was beamed into 176 sites via audiovisual technology.

This event troubles me and here's why.

One of the guests was former President Jimmy Carter. On the Willowcreek Web site it states, "Jimmy Carter has done more since retiring from the office of president than most people accomplish in a lifetime. The author of more than 20 books is recognized worldwide for his leading work in conflict resolution, diplomacy, and humanitarian work."

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There's No Such Thing as Luck
--> Posted to Jans_Articles for August, 2007

There’s No Such Thing as Luck

Jan Markell

www.olivetreeviews.org

Minneapolis and St. Paul are known as the Twin Cities. Only the Mississippi river comes between us, and right now, there are a lot of cars at the bottom of that river. There are people down there as well. My hometown is shaken and will have a gaping hole for at least two years. If you are in cities that have had tragedies, you know the sickening feeling. However, all tragedies have another side to them which I will talk about briefly.

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Rewarding Not-So-Bad-Terrorists
--> Posted to Jans_Articles for July, 2007

Rewarding Not-So-Bad-Terrorists

By Jan Markell

www.olivetreeviews.org

This week President Bush announced an upcoming international meeting of representatives from nations that support a two-state solution between the Israelis and Palestinians, which reject violence, recognize Israel's right to exist, and commit to all previous agreements between the parties. Many of those "nations" are in the Middle East and consider Israel's very existence to be an outrage, or as they call it, a "catastrophe."

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One Nation Under Gods?
--> Posted to Jans_Articles for July, 2007

One Nation Under Gods?

Commentary on the News

Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Jan Markell

If you had been in the U.S. Senate last week you might have thought we were one nation under 300 million gods. Maharishi Harry Reid invited a Hindu chaplain from Nevada to open the Senate in prayer. Rajan Zed came up to the podium. To which of the 300 million gods he was about to pray to we will never know.

Zed led off but was interrupted several times by the righteous in the balcony trying to proclaim that America serves just one God, the Judeo-Christian God. They were hauled out of the chamber while the senators apparently paid little attention. The protestors were only trying to remind all present that America remains "one nation under God" and not one nation interested in Hinduism's many gods. View Full Article

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Holy Wars--Markell
--> Posted to Jans_Articles for July, 2007

CHRISTIAN WORLDVIEW

Holy Wars

By Jan Markell

www.olivetreeviews.org

Pope Benedict XVI has ignited controversy around the world by approving a document saying non-Catholic Christian communities are either defective or not true churches. Only the Roman Catholic Church provides the true path to salvation. The document states, "Christ established here on earth only one church," reasserting the primacy of Catholicism.

The document said that other Christian communities such as Protestants "cannot be called 'churches' in the proper sense" since they don't have what's known as apostolic succession; that is, the ability to trace their bishops back to the original 12 apostles of Jesus.

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Answering "The Bible Answerman"--Markell
--> Posted to Jans_Articles for July, 2007

Hanegraff states "Much of American Middle East policy is influenced by a huge voting bloc of evangelicals who are taught not to question Israel's divine right to the land.

"God is not pro-Jew. He is pro-justice. He is not pro-Palestinian. He is pro-peace. Only a gospel of peace and justice is potent enough to break the stranglehold of anti-Semitism and racism fueled in part by bad theology."

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Gaza: And Nobody Saw it Coming?!
--> Posted to Jans_Articles for June, 2007

Gaza: And Nobody Saw it Coming??!

Commentary on the News

Tuesday, June 19, 2007

Jan Markell

The ghost of Yaser Arafat lives on as his successor, Mahmoud Abbas, is simply Arafat in a $1,000 suit. The stripes on a leopard don't change easily. In the Islamic world, they hardly ever do.

But to Abbas' credit back in January 2006, while under extreme U.S. pressure to have "free Palestinian elections," Abbas earnestly sought to delay them sensing Hamas would come to power as they did. So the brutal reign of Hamas began, duly elected. The White House and State Department insisted on the elections, sure that the "curative powers of democracy" would solve many issues. Rice later stated, "Nobody saw it coming," meaning the win by Hamas. View Full Article

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The Late-Great State of Minnesota?
--> Posted to Jans_Articles for June, 2007

I don't have a particular battle with the Hindus and wish they didn't have one with me. While I say I don't have a battle with them, I am very troubled by the situation at a Lutheran-based school here known as St. Olaf College. Anantanand Rambachan, who has taught religion and philosophy at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota since 1985, now will become the first non-Christian to head the religion department in the school's 133-year history.
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Fear the Jews, not the Islamofascists
--> Posted to Jans_Articles for May, 2007

Fear the Jews, not the Islamofascists
By Jan Markell

There is a man gaining credibility and national attention and he troubles me greatly. He claims to be an evangelical Christian and heads what is known as the "National Prayer Network." He is fighting hate-crime legislation which gives him an open mike on dozens of radio talk shows. I cannot judge his heart as to his statement that he is a brother in the Lord, but I can tell you that Ted Pike is a man to watch if you love Israel.

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No Ties to Terror? You've Got to be Kidding
--> Posted to Jans_Articles for May, 2007

Eight years ago America opened its arms to tens of thousands of ethnic Muslim Albanian refugees from Kosovo. The first plane load came to Ft. Dix, NJ.
Military leaders worked day and night to turn the base into a family-friendly village for them, including ethnic food preparations. The man in charge, Gen. Zais, said, "We want to welcome these people to America the way we might wish our grandparents and great-grandparents had been welcomed to Ellis Island."

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Beware of the Christian Taliban
--> Posted to Jans_Articles for April, 2007

No other group in America would tolerate this kind of hostility. Imagine dramatizing the villains as Islamic fundamentalists. While in the minds of some there is little difference between Christian fundamentalists and Muslim fundamentalists, political correctness is displayed among most all minorities except Christians. It's open season on Christians.

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The National Association of Evangelicals Heads Left--Markell--March 21
--> Posted to Jans_Articles for March, 2007

The NEA Heads Left
Commentary on the News
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Jan Markell

Why am I not surprised? Is there any institution, agency, culture issue, etc., not moving to the left today? Since the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) was founded in the 1940s to counter the "religious left," they would not succumb, would they? Wrong. They are headed toward the left coast.
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The Appease Disease--Again
--> Posted to Jans_Articles for March, 2007

The Appease Disease—Again
Commentary on the News
Friday, March 02, 2007
Jan Markell

I have concluded that some of America's leaders are having tea with the Mad Hatter and that the brew has been spiked to alter judgment. There is a new Washington policy to dialogue with (and appease) our bitter enemies, Iran and Syria. Condoleezza Rice has just stated we will start to negotiate with them over Iraq and other issues. Go back in history and put this scenario in the middle of WWII and imagine the fall-out. Somebody tell me what is different about our enemies 60 years later other than that they are more brutal?
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The "Bible-Basher Man" and His End Time Confusion
--> Posted to Jans_Articles for October, 2006

The “Bible Basher-Man” and the End Times
Jan Markell
www.olivetreeviews.org

The Christian Research Institute founded by Dr. Walter Martin, is now under the leadership of Hank Hanegraaff, the Bible Answerman. I say he's the "Bible Basher-Man" though to be fair, some of the false teachers he exposes deserve it. Others don't because they are not false; rather, they are blatant truth-tellers. I am not above naming names of those I think are a threat to the sheep, so I give Hank some space there.

However, I don't cut him slack when he denounces the truth-tellers, the on target prophecy teachers, and sound, biblical scholars. He's gone overboard on this in recent months. He's confused a lot of people on the fence not knowing what to believe about the end-times. And he never does it with love and for that matter, he and his guests have a note of derision in their voice.

He recently featured Steven Sizer and his book, "Christian Zionism: Road Map to Armageddon." I've been a Dispensational Christian Zionist for decades but have never encountered the so-called "road map." But these men believe it will mysteriously lead to Armageddon which is their way of denouncing solid Dispensational theology, or for the newcomer, "Left Behind" theology. Testimonials for Sizer's book read like the "Who's Who" of the religious Left. One testimonial reads, "After reading Sizer's book, I believe that Zionism, both political and Christian, is incompatible with Christian faith." The lowest blow is the fact that they called Christian Zionists "cultists."

Why is it that Christians standing by Israel is so offensive that we are "cultists"? We are incompatible to faith? Can't she have just one little group that is willing to stand with her both because of her biblical importance past, present, and future, and the fact that she is America's ally and a strong democracy?

Sizer and Hanegraaff spent two hours blasting away. She doesn't deserve the land. There is no uniqueness to Jerusalem. I guess she rates with the Canary Islands.

Hank is at it again. In recent days, he and Gary DeMar, both Preterists, say that all prophecy is history. It all happened in 70 AD. The Tribulation was the persecution of the saints. Nero was the Antichrist. Preterism cannot be substantiated from the Bible unless you jump through so many hermeneutical hoops that it stretches credulity. You can read more about it at my "Prophecy Watch" link here: http://www.olivetreeviews.org/articles/Prophecy.shtml#newsitemEEypVyAVypFCdwyYmB Scholar Dr. David Reagan was one of our conference speakers October 6-7.

To hear Hanegraaff and DeMar you would think people with the proper eschatological view had a mental disorder. Certain Dispensational teachers are addressed as though they were theological infants. Some of those included Hal Lindsey, Tim LaHaye, and Dr. Thomas Ice. This is nothing new. It is also nothing new that these men and others are never invited to the program to engage in debate or dialogue.

I have talked privately to Gary DeMar. DeMar, Hanegraaff, Gary North, and Ken Gentry, are the four Preterists leading the pack in denouncing the truth, confusing seekers after Bible prophecy truth, and skewing the Bible as it concerns the last days. DeMar talked to me about coming to Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN and asked that I set up a debate for him. I said, how about using Hanegraaff's platform of millions for that, Gary? Why won't Hank allow that on his program? What is he afraid of?

There are some public debates and for this I give DeMar some credit. You can listen to one at this link:
http://www.pre-trib.org/ Look for the "Free Download" debate between DeMar and Dr. Thomas Ice. You will learn a lot about this theology that is growing by leaps and bounds largely due to the high profile "Bible Basher-Man", Hank Hanegraaff who never misses an opportunity to skew the end-time scenario.

(For more information about Olive Tree Ministries, Jan’s e-alerts, or free print newsletter, visit her Web site, www.olivetreeviews.org.)

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Beware of the Christian Zionists
--> Posted to Jans_Articles for October, 2006

What does Armageddon have to do with Christian Zionists? Steven Sizer has written a book titled, “Christian Zionism: Road Map to Armageddon.” I’ve been a Christian Zionist who believes in a literal Armageddon for decades and I’ve never seen the so-called “road map” but somehow it mysteriously leads to Armageddon.

The testimonials for Sizer’s book read like a “Who’s Who of the religious Left.” One says, “After reading Sizer’s book, I believe that Zionism, both political and Christian, is incompatible with Christian faith.” The author goes on to call Christian Zionists cultists.

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Why Are They Silencing the Watchmen?--Markell---Sept. 2
--> Posted to Jans_Articles for September, 2006

It does seem strange that the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) has canned another excellent, timely, and warning-sounding program, "Zola Levitt Presents."

Their reason is that Levitt's programming was not Arab/Muslim-friendly. This is the second time they have done this in a year as they scrapped Hal Lindsey's truth-telling last January, then recanted if they would be allowed to censor his program. Hal was told he was too pro-Israel and anti-Arab. He moved on--a wise choice.

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The Appease Disease
--> Posted to Jans_Articles for August, 2006

The Appease Disease

Commentary on the News
Jan Markell

I can only scratch the surface here but the world is infected with “appease disease.” They think they can make friends with enemies who are sworn to their destruction or conversion.

Then there is the element that wants to make the world safe from terror while at the same time, want to make it safe for terrorists due to political correctness and other issues. Here are some issues and along with the issues, my perceived reason for such behavior.

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Will the "Emerging Church" Submerge Your Church?
--> Posted to Jans_Articles for August, 2006

Will the Emerging Church Submerge Your Church?
Jan Markell
www.olivetreeviews.org

The short answer is no if solid, Bible-believing Christians preach truth and stand on the Word of God. However, in today's world of apostasy, the stakes are higher and so are the casualties. The Emergent Church is not new, but it hid in the shadows until recently. I recently had this email:

Jan: When you first started talking about the Emergent Church I thought, sure, this is a California experience. I didn't have to worry. How wrong! In Michigan it is now everywhere!

When Pastor Bob DeWaay told me one and a half years ago that it was the next step beyond seeker-sensitive and worse than that, I thought, how is this possible? He was right. As a matter of fact, CBS News did a feature on it calling it a powerful new movement and the fastest-growing one in Christianity with up to 20 million participants. The clip is played on the broadcast from August 5 now posted on "radio archives" here:http://www.olivetreeviews.org/radio/mp3/ When you really learn of all its goals and practices, this should send chills down your spine.

Roger Oakland, one of the best analysts of this movement, and Bob DeWaay, reported a lot of startling information on air. I have made my own conclusions here. The emphasis goes well beyond the Bible to extra-biblical paraphernalia, extrasensory images, sounds, smells, silence, darkness, icons, statues, rosary beads for Protestants, Yoga, contemplative prayer--all for a FULL SENSORY IMMERSION in the divine. Why are these things even necessary when the "old time religion" did well preaching a solid gospel with no bells and whistles? Why do we have to encounter God with our "senses"? He lives within us--that's sufficient. He's a prayer away, hardly dependent on candles and incense and icons. Why do Protestants have to draw on Catholic and Orthodox practices to "get closer to God"?

Try to pin these folks down as to their beliefs and be prepared for frustration and confusion. Pastor DeWaay related on air how frustrating his debate was with Emergent leader Doug Pagitt as Pagitt dodged every question making sure the Emergent Church would NOT be defined. My conclusion: It draws on many religions but is leading to the participation in the one world religion.

According to EC leader Brian McLaren, most anyone can follow Jesus including Buddhists and Hindus. He emphasizes "injustice, oppression, greed, and war." Finally, a major truth comes out: This is just the old social gospel. But his most troubling statement is that we need to ". . . emulate Roman Catholicism to become more mystical in our reverence of God." Why did we have the Reformation, I ask? So that we could get far from Rome and closer to God! He has it backwards, as is his whole movement. The longing for the mystical will lead one to become a victim of every wind of doctrine!

As Roger Oakland states, this is not a revival but a return to darkness. It cannot be countered until Christians become better informed about it and when the darkened rooms, candles, and other touchy-feely services spring up in your church and you say something and demand a return to basic Bible doctrines and solid gospel preaching. These Emergent leaders are not "brave new voices." They are deceptive wolves devouring naive, usually young "sheeple," leading the Gen X-ers and Gen Y-ers down a path to further darkness. What will these youth "emerge" into? Confused, questioning young people with no solid grounding, believing in nothing and thus falling for everything.

I received this email from Australia today. It shows that our churches are in deep trouble but let's not end the thought there. God can still do a great thing in our churches; yet the Bible talks about the end-time apostasy. In II Thessalonians 2:3 it talks about the "falling away" in the end-times. Some translations call it the "great falling away" . . . in other words, no small thing. The writer states this:

Jan: Where I live in an area of the North Coast of New South Wales, Australia, every church is compromised, every church. To receive any good, sound Bible teaching, I have to rely on the internet and my Bible and the help of God's Holy Spirit.

To get Roger Oakland's DVD on the Emerging Church, see my Web site and "Our Products" here:http://www.olivetreeviews.org/catalog.shtml To purchase the DeWaay/Pagitt debate DVD, visit www.cicministry.org. Also see this category of "Spiritual Deception" on my Web site, http://www.olivetreeviews.org/topics/spiritual_deception.shtml to learn much more about this and other deceiving movements prominent today. This topic will be covered at our October 6-7 Understanding the Times 2006 conference. All information is here: http://www.olivetreeviews.org/conferences.shtml

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The Fence Hypocrisy--Markell
--> Posted to Jans_Articles for May, 2006

Isn't it ironic? Both Israel and America are societies engaged in struggles over their futures due to evil-doers crossing borders. Both are acting in self-defense to stop invaders. Both countries are getting heat from various sources for trying to protect themselves. So both Israel and America are pursuing a security fence and Israel's will be completed this year. And the world, with many Americans chiming in, says "Mr. Prime Minister, tear down that wall."

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Green Christianity
--> Posted to Jans_Articles for February, 2006

Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Jan Markell

Recently 85 "evangelical" Christians formed the "Evangelical Environmental Network (EEN) and created the "Evangelical Climate Initiative." They had a media ad blitz February 9 and received extensive national attention.

Their message is that global warming hurts the world's poor the most. Signers-on included pastors, college and seminary presidents, aid organizations, denominational heads, and more. To read the entire list, go to this link http://www.christiansandclimate.org/signatories

Many conservative evangelicals have a problem with this effort. Is this a part of the "great commission?" Yes, we have a responsibility to the earth and the creatures and elements over which man was given authority to rule. But fighting the pollution and global warming wars will lead to only one thing: One world globalism.

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The War Against Bible Prophecy
--> Posted to Jans_Articles for February, 2006

In Defense of the Faith

Wednesday, February 01, 2006
Jan Markell

I wasn’t born all that long ago so I still recall wonderful prophecy conferences in my Baptist church some twenty years ago. But in the last ten to fifteen years the message that the King is coming has become a downer with implications that the issues surrounding it are “gloom and doom.” When did you last hear it preached in your church? When did you last hear radio or TV preachers talk about it unless they were an eschatology-related ministry?

Recently a Christian publishing house advised me that he had learned that most Christian houses were dropping newly-submitted Bible prophecy books with a few exceptions. LaHaye/Jenkins will likely continue to sell as well as Mark Hitchcock through Multnomah, and sadly, Hannegraff’s false Preterism books. Harvest House seems open only to Dr. J. Randall Price on Temple issues. Teachers like Hal Lindsey, Grant Jeffrey, and Dave Hunt, and David Reagan, have resorted to forming their own publishing houses or just self-publishing.

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Is Democracy for Everyone?
--> Posted to Jans_Articles for February, 2006

February 1 - Is Democracy for Everyone?

While good hearted, freedom loving Americans and other Westerners want to believe democracy is the governing choice for everyone, today one almost has to ask, is democracy for everyone? Of course most everyone does long for freedom, liberty, and the ability to live in peace and prosperity. America over the years has actually liberated some 70 countries and literally hundreds of millions of oppressed and brutally tyrannized people. Clearly, the world is a better place for it.

But "democracy Middle East/Muslim style" may be another story. That region and religion has never been known for peace. It is usually governed by Sharia Law (Islamic law) and despotism on earth for centuries. Now it has abused democracy by electing a brutal terror group known as Hamas.

Finding a road to democracy and peaceful co-existence in the Islamic culture has proven to be the most challenging peace initiative on earth.

It has been heartening, however, to see Iraq and Afghanistan make such giant inroads in their attempt at forming a brand of democracy. While we want to believe for the best for these and other nations just now making some changes from oppression to freedom, one has to wonder if it will last. Seeing Iraqis raise the purple finger saying, "I voted" rings in the heart of every freedom loving person. So seeing the glass half full tells us the love of freedom will squelch any effort to bring these people back to any kind of tyranny. Seeing the glass half empty says that it will be short-lived and these nations will descend into civil war, particularly once America pulls out of the process. Which plays out we do not know at this point. Many believe for the best.

But we are coming up against deeply-held Middle East Islamic convictions in that region. Peace and democracy require a commitment to lasting peace from all parties, all religious sects, and all ethnic groups within a country. Is Hamas, for example, going to follow the urgings of the Bush administration and the E.U. and cease its violent rhetoric, or, push for the elimination of Israel as only a stepping stone toward worldwide Islamic domination? I think the answer is obvious. Even if they said they would lay down arms and push for peace, we have heard that ad nauseum from Arafat and Abbas who have absolutely nothing to show for it. While talking peace and security with Israel, both of these Fatah Party leaders sent their Al Aksa Martyrs Brigade out to explode themselves among innocent Israelis.

There is a disconnect in the capitals of the world that the Islamic world wants democracy American style and Washington is no exception to this way of thinking. World leaders were convinced that if the majority of Palestinians turned out to vote, they would overwhelmingly reject violence and terror and embrace peaceful co-existence with Israel. While clearly some Palestinians just want to raise their families in peace, a greater majority voted in a "democratic election" to wipe Israel off the map. So "democracy" elected the world's first official terrorist government.

Though every human being on the planet deserves freedom and peace, democracy may not always be the means by which to achieve that goal. In this most recent case, democracy legitimized jihadists. These are the same kind of jihadists who danced in the streets when our Twin Towers fell and when Ariel Sharon suffered his massive stroke.

A primary ingredient in a "democracy" and in self-government is the conviction of peaceful co-existence with those who hold to other beliefs in that country. Only when there is an understanding of simple right and wrong, an inherent basic respect for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness of every individual in that nation, is that nation suited for self-government and democracy.

Such is not the case within nations with major Islamic influence. They by and large seek "peace" through jihad and the existence of only one belief system: Islam. Democratizing parts of the Middle East may prove to be much like democratizing a maximum state security prison population. Freeing those who intend harm upon the world may prove very costly. The continued push for democracy in the Islamic world only reveals the pitiful lack of understanding of Islam on the part of the West, including Washington.

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The Major Delusions of 2005
--> Posted to Jans_Articles for January, 2006

Since deception and delusion are strong forces in the last days, I have come up with a list of the strong delusions of 2005. I am not trying to be cynical. They are real, and in some cases very dangerous.

* All the ills of the world are the fault of Christians, Jews, America, and President Bush. Reality check: Man's sinful nature is the root of all evil.

* We should rely on government agencies in times of tragedies. Reality check: The untold story of Katrina and other disasters is that God's people rallied while agencies remained stuck in bureaucracy.

* The media is very much on top of the war on terror. Reality check: They won't even use the word "terrorist"; rather "freedom fighters," "insurgents," "rebels," and more, sanitizing some of the world's worst monsters.

* Supreme Court nominee Sam Alito is an extremist but Ruth Bader Ginsberg is a moderate.

* Saudi Arabia is a Middle East moderate and ally of the U.S. Reality Check: More than 80% of U.S. mosques are stacked with Saudi Wahhabi propaganda promoting the Islamic States of America.

* Fences don't make good neighbors so Israel cannot have a security fence which has cut down on homicide bombers. Reality check: Many nations have such a fence and one along the U.S. southern border is under discussion.

* The withdrawal of the Jews from Gaza was the first major step towards peace and security in that region. Reality check: Gaza is now a terror state, steeped in anarchy, even taking Western hostages.

* Islam said Hurricane Katrina was the wrath of Allah against America. Reality check: When the Pakistani earthquake hit (and other disasters in the Islamic world), Allah seems to not notice and be on vacation.

* The "religious Left" and their social gospel is valuable. Reality check: They are so out of touch with reality they make continued visits to Hizbollah and Hamas.

* The church will save the world and make it perfect for Christ's return (Dominion/Kingdom Now Theology). Reality check: Many churches are not even preaching a sound gospel. They are preaching a bloodless gospel to fill up the pews and false doctrine is exploding as predicted.

* We're in the "last days" and churches are encouraging their flock to get right with God while there is still time. Reality check: Visit most any church in America and you will not hear the wonderful news that Jesus is coming soon.

* When President Bush does exactly what President Clinton did, Bush is pounded and there is collective amnesia about Clinton.

* There were no WMD in Iraq. Reality check: There is film footage of them being moved to Syria in 2003.

* The mainstream media remains the media source of choice. Reality check: People are fed up with them and have turned in large numbers to the alternative media.....blogs, Internet, talk radio, etc.

* It's a new day for the Palestinians with Arafat gone. Reality check: The only difference between Arafat and Abbas is that Abbas wears $2,000 suits.

* Russia can be trusted because she, too, is in the war on terror. Reality check: Russia is cooperating with Iran and Iran's nuclear program and will be a part of the Gog-Magog war of Ezekiel 38-39.

* The public schools have no agenda. Reality check: Christ and Christmas are out but your kid will learn about Islam and be assigned an Islamic name.

* The American media has demonized American troops in Iraq as the war is a failure and the American people have no confidence in the war or our troops. Reality check: 74% of Americans have confidence in our military according to a Gallup Poll.

If I haven't said it before, may the "light of the world" brighten you path in the new year. He is still on the throne although the world seems on some days to be going mad. More coverage coming on Ariel Sharon next week. And maybe 2006 will be the year our Lord appears in the clouds to call us Home.

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Is America Watching Europe?
--> Posted to Jans_Articles for November, 2005

Is America Watching Europe?

Commentary on the News

Jan Markell

I echo the sentiment of Daniel Pipes, Islamic expert, who says that what is going on in Europe now may be a turning point in European history. They have reached the end of an era. The end began when they threw God out twenty years ago, gave up their Christian roots, and established a cradle-to-grave welfare system that lures immigrants, particularly from the Islamic world.

They chose to have lax borders like America, and they did not ask the newcomers to accept the local culture. The jihadists--and that is what they are--know Western Europe is ripe for the plucking and have chosen to strike now and take various countries by force.

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When Good is Called Evil and Evil Good--Markell
--> Posted to Jans_Articles for November, 2005

When Good is Called Evil and Evil Good

Commentary on the News
Thursday, November 03, 2005
Jan Markell

Prince Charles came to America in November to tell us that we don't understand Islam and we don't even try. You talk about a man who has been out of touch with reality for decades in his own personal life and now is going to lecture the White House on the "religion of peace."

He says only a few bad apples are causing the problem, but then why don't the many "good apples" demonstrate like crazy about their violent brothers? Instead, their silence is deafening.

Let's consider just a few items America has done to benefit Islam in this great country. We have had three, yes three Ramadan celebrations in 2005 sponsored by the White House or State Department. We now have a Koran sitting in the White House library. We are so mired in political correctness that the airlines can profile only two Middle East males per flight. If the third one has a bomb or weapon, well, that's too bad for all on board. The Middle Easterners are given the first consideration.

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Jesus is Coming: People Yawn and Not Yearn
--> Posted to Jans_Articles for October, 2005

Jesus is Coming, Yet People Yawn and Not Yearn
Commentary on the News
Jan Markell

I recognize we’re an apathetic generation that loves to be entertained rather than think real serious thoughts. At least some feel that way. But there is one form of apathy I don’t get and that is the fact that people are yawning over the return of the King of kings and not yearning for it.

This is the greatest news on earth. Titus calls it our “blessed hope.” The Lord will put an end to all sorrow, sighing, tears, disasters, broken relationships, and more.

The apathy factor has grown since 9/11. America was torn for a few months and then many forgot because it wasn’t in their neighborhood. People went back to sleep while the evil doers in this country continue their plotting.

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The Delusion of 2005
--> Posted to Jans_Articles for September, 2005

The Delusion of 2005
Commentary on the News
Jan Markell

What malady infects the U.S. State Department? What turns reasonable people into political machines that actually work against America? How can one incredible woman, Condeleeza Rice, make some of the following statements and not believe that thinking people feel she is stretching credulity?

RICE: “We welcome the completion of the Israel disengagement from Gaza. This is an historic moment for both sides, and the commitment of both sides to be a successful disengagement process has been impressive.”

REALITY CHECK: Secretary Rice, just name one fulfilled commitment on the part of the Palestinians or their leadership? This week the Palestinians burned down every synagogue in Gaza and looted whatever was left behind. They rampaged through Gaza shooting guns in the air and destroying any last remnant of anything Jewish. The Israelis had exhumed all graves before they left knowing the Palestinians would have destroyed them lest there be a shred of Jewishness in Gaza. The Gaza-based terrorists are claiming victory through violence. PA leader Mahmoud Abbas has only encouraged this and once again called on children to become martyrs. The most popular CD in Gaza boasts victory over the Israelis by jihad. This is a peace partner? Appeasement won! The PA jihadists violate every treaty they sign yet are rewarded. How much more must this go on before America says “enough!”

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Don't Wait for the Applause, Israel
--> Posted to Jans_Articles for August, 2005

Don’t Wait for the Applause, Israel
By Jan Markell

Most areas that are in phase one of the disengagement process have now been evacuated until the next phase begins. In the meantime, the PA/PLO is planning a victory party, paid for in part with U.S. tax dollars. About $2 million will be spent in part on tee-shirts that read, “Victory and Liberation” emblazoned over the face of arch-terrorist Yaser Arafat. They will be distributed to dirt-poor Palestinians, some of whom are very nervous that the Israelis have pulled out of their neck of the woods because they caused a degree of peace and control.

The woman I used to admire the most, Condoleeza Rice, has added insult to injury. Her new mantra is, “Everyone has compassion for what the Israelis are going through (no they don’t, Condi), but it can’t stop with the Gaza Strip.” How can it be that nations that have declared a “war on terror” are joining the PA/PLO thugs who have their own mantra: “One flag, one people, one country.” Did you get that? One country and all of it “Palestine” that didn’t exist before the 1967 “Six Day War. Reality check time: It’s God’s land (Lev. 25). He will have the last word.

So now the PA/PLO will deal with Gaza’s 1.2 million citizens, parts of the West Bank (to most readers, Judea and Samaria) and then on to Jerusalem! And with the blessing of world leaders who should know better.

Will Israel get a standing ovation for what she did this past week and last, or one for ongoing concessions? How about even a small round of applause? Do you think one outfit will label them the “good guys”? No other nation has had to give up part of its historic territory after winning wars, yet they will get no kudos from the world, the U.N., the E.U., the Islamic world, or anyone else. The world’s finest PR agency could not pull off a coup to make Israel look good for what she has done in the last week or what it will do in the future.

Her image has not improved. Ariel Sharon has not gained more respect. Good gestures are worthless. She turned up within hours to help tsunami victims but nations turned them away preferring their people hang from palm trees rather than be helped by Israelis.

Jews are still not safe in Europe. Nor are they safe among the religious Left starting with the National Council of Churches, to the Presbyterian Church U.S.A., to the Episcopal Church, and others who have not stopped the goal of “divesting funds” from Israel to strangle her economy. Instead they visit Hamas and Islamic Jihad and call them “brothers.” The ELCA recently went ahead and passed a resolution stating that Israel must tear down her defense wall. So the religious Left continues its evil in the name of God.

The bottom line is that kings, presidents, prime ministers, editors, clergymen, and more, are convinced that Israel is the “evil occupier.” All Palestinian tactics are justified and Israel’s countermeasures are illegitimate. “The New York Times,” NBC, ABC, CBS, CNN, and NPR will never give Israel an ounce of credit. Only a few Jews and Christians will, and many Jews praise the withdrawal. Can you name even one concession the PA/PLO has made? Abbas will not even disarm the terror groups taking over these areas. Zarqarwi (al-Qaida) is moving in as well.

The thought of abandoned homes, farms, crops, synagogues, pets, and cemeteries, leaves me numb that an Israel-hating world would cheer this on. And yet ALL nations are to turn on her—Zechariah 12. As the bulldozers now tear down those homes, the world’s terrorists are beating a path to Gaza to set up international headquarters in the heart of the Middle East where President Bush wants to bring freedom. You cannot bring freedom to a neighborhood that celebrates barbarism.

The only positive spin I can put on this is that the “end time” scenario has speeded up. Even while we wait for the “third Intifadeh” (Palestinian uprising) to begin as it will, please continue to “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem” (Ps. 122:6). If the Bible says it, it’s there for a reason. If nothing else, we are praying for the “Prince of Peace” to come back to Jerusalem to right all the wrongs. And He will. But first Israel will experience more and more disappointment and finally will welcome in “Mr. Fix-It”, the “man with a plan,” the antichrist, for the Bible says, by peace he shall destroy many. He will usher in a season of peace they have longed for. “Peace, peace, when there is no peace” (Jer. 6:14).

Visit my Web site, www.olivetreeviews.org for much more information on this enormous topic and it’s relation to Bible prophecy. The King is coming, and His throne will be Jerusalem, and won’t the world—and the church—be surprised?

(Jan is founder/director of Olive Tree Ministries. She has authored eight books. For more information, to sign up for her free e-alerts or print newsletter, visit her Web site, www.olivetreeviews.org.)

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The ACLU: America's Non Islamic Jihadists
--> Posted to Jans_Articles for August, 2005

The ACLU, or American Civil Liberties Union (perhaps better named Assault Christian Liberties Unmercifully) is carrying on their own brand of jihad in America.

They are anti-American. They are anti-Christian. They are against most everything righteous. To me they are just a terror organization without the explosives because they are trying to destroy America from within. Here are just a few examples to illustrate this. The examples are, in fact, legion but space doesn’t permit them all.

• The New York branch of the ACLU announced that it was going to court to stop the random searches on the New York subway system. Guess they want the terrorists to have unfettered access to New York City’s metro transit system.

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The Importance of Understanding the End Times
--> Posted to Jans_Articles for July, 2005

The Importance of Understanding the “End Times”
By Jan Markell

To be perfectly honest, I am growing weary of the many voices I hear saying that the world makes no sense today. It makes perfect sense if one understands the proper eschatology or doctrine of the "last days." The problem is that there is either little or no interest in the topic or it is being taught improperly. Why is it that even the History Channel, A & E, Discovery Network, etc. are paying more attention to it than the churches? In most churches it was shelved 20 years ago as "controversial," "divisive", and "gloom and doom." What is gloom and doom about the fact that the King is coming? Hanging on to this "blessed hope" (Titus 2:13) should be able to get the believer through most any trial.

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Evil in the Name of God
--> Posted to Jans_Articles for July, 2005

In the last two to three years the religious Left has begun a campaign to literally destroy the Jewish state. One by one, major Mainline Protestant denominations—never known for biblical accuracy—are encouraging their leaders and members to divest funds and stock from any company they are involved with who might be aiding Israel’s economy directly or indirectly. The denominations that have now spoken out about this include the Presbyterian Church U.S.A., the Anglican Church, the Episcopal Church, United Methodist Church, and United Church of Christ. Others are waiting in the wings.

How about “divesting” from Arab governments that systematically persecute Christians, fly airplanes into our buildings, and hope to conquer America for Islam? Maybe we could divest from brutal regimes such as Sudan, Viet Nam, Nigeria, and dozens of other dark places that persecute just about everyone? If these Mainline Protestants spent as much time on the silent holocaust in Sudan as they do on Israel’s imagined brutalization of Palestinians, two million Christians could be saved in Sudan.

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Will God Allow a Palestinian State?
--> Posted to Jans_Articles for June, 2005

Will God Allow a Palestinian State?--Jan Markell

While Christian Zionists and evangelicals in general agonize that Jews are literally violently being torn from parts of the covenant land of Israel, I think there is a scenario few are considering: Will God allow this tragedy to go through to fulfillment and the ultimate, a Palestinian state on Jewish land? While some of this will be much more understandable in August if the disengagement goes through, I continue to sense that God will put a sovereign stop to it.

The push for this since 1967, intensified in 1993 with Oslo I, followed by Oslo II, Tenet Plan, Mitchell Plan, Camp David Plan, ad nauseum, has generally run into roadblocks where negotiators go home with their tail between their legs and regroup and try again.

My questioning is based on what is happening right now. Mahmoud Abbas, the head of the Palestinian Authority (PA but formerly the PLO) is besieged on all sides. Though a brutal terrorist himself and planner of the 1972 Munich Olympic slaughter of Israeli athletes, he is under relentless attack and opposition from other terrorist factions such as Fatah, Hamas, Islamic Jihad, Hezbollah, and even al-Qaida. He is a walking target as are his assistants. Many say he has lost all control and the ultra-violent factions are seeking ultimate control.

To put it in simple terms, the entire Palestinian Authority is descending into chaos. They have their own civil war going on. The 50,000 plus PA security and police forces are not doing their job. One of the world's worst terrorist outfits, Hamas, is seeking to take over PA leadership and while Washington remains much too friendly with Hamas, it is hard to see America allow Hamas turn the entire region in chaos.

But here's what would force America to back out of the pressure-tactics: An Israel 9/11. While that is drastic and would be tragic beyond words since Israel is following disengagement orders to the letter and truly seeks a deluded and false peace, America would have to step back or look like one gigantic hypocrite nation. Would we invite Osama bin Laden to occupy one of our 50 states and reward him for his terror? America simply could not pressure Israel if she suffered a devastating attack. To be sure the heartless E.U., U.N., and Russia, all members of the "Quartet" along with America could still push for it, but the likelihood of a Palestinian state emerging out of an Israeli 9/11 seems unthinkable, except in our upside-down world.

A disaster was averted last week. A young Palestinian woman, a suicide bomber, came into an Israeli hospital for treatment with legitimate burns. However, she was strapped with explosives and planned to detonate herself in the middle of a "crowded area of the hospital." Only Israel treats injured people in such circumstances that are sworn to kill them.

Many attacks are thwarted daily due to the Hand of God. But multiply that incident on an even larger scale: A major office complex, hotel, or even the Knesset (parliament). Consider the slaughter of hundreds or even thousands of innocent Israelis, with the proven perpetrators being your average PA terrorist of any of the factions, and "peace plans" would take a terrible, if not permanent, set-back. The PA has a marvelous affinity for shooting themselves in the foot (while they massacre Israelis) and putting "peace plans" on hold over the years.

Could America support such a state or even special concessions for a regime that would pull off mass slaughter?

Yet Zechariah 12 says that ALL nations will turn on Israel, so we cannot rule out the fact that America may still push the creation of a Palestinian state no matter what the situation is in that region. Joel 3 clearly says that all nations who have participated in the dividing of God's land will be severely judged. However, God's land has been divided many times including in 1917, 1947 - 1949, and more. The reference to division may end there. There may, in fact, never be a Palestinian state on Israeli land. The clock is ticking and we may know sooner rather than later. Continue to pray for the situation, that the truth of the debacle could be revealed in a far less horrific manner than violence and bloodshed to awaken politicians and diplomats to the mistake they are making.

To learn more about this, visit the following categories at my Web site: www.olivetreeviews.org, "Palestine", Israel, and Israel's Road Map. I highly recommend Bill Koenig’s book, “Eye to Eye: Facing the Consequences of Dividing Israel” which is available at “Our Products” on the site or via the resource flyer.

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Iraq's Insurgents: What the Media Won't Tell You
--> Posted to Jans_Articles for June, 2005

IRAQ’S “INSURGENTS”: WHAT THE MEDIA WON’T TELL YOU
By Jan Markell

Just about everybody will tell you that Abu Mus-ab Al Zarqawi is behind the "insurgents" (terrorists) in Iraq. They're wrong. Zarqawi is but a puppet on a string. The real culprit was the Hebrew prophet Daniel's nemesis as well--the "Prince of Persia." You can read about it in Daniel 10.

This demonic spirit-being headquartered in Iraq and Iran millennia ago and he still does as spirit-beings don't die. Instead, they are neutralized in spiritual warfare: "For we are not contending against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in heavenly places" (Eph. 6:12). Terrorists, nations, and cultures, can be shaped by demonic beings such as the "Prince of Persia."

He is a mighty fallen angel--a demon. With God's permission, he was and is allowed power and influence. Reading on in Daniel, Daniel prayed and fasted for 21 days for wisdom and understanding and he humbled himself. God sent the archangel Michael to him. The "Prince of Persia" was able to be subdued then.

That region--Iraq and Iran--have been, and continue to be, the center of seen and unseen warfare from ancient times. In Daniel, God pulls back the curtain and briefly exposes the wars that continue in Heaven and their effect on earth.

Once again this "prince" is an opposing spirit seeking to conflict with the security of the world in the region. In Daniel's day, the "Prince of Persia" wanted to destroy Israel more than anything else. You can expect his influence to remain strong in the region, and particularly with those who wish to eradicate Israel.

Here is the real power behind the "insurgents" in Iraq. As Daniel fasted and prayed for assistance, so are we as believers today to do the same for that region. Spiritual warfare may be as effective as mortars and assault weapons though now those are needed as well. But, "When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him" (Isaiah 59:19 KJV).

Keep this in mind as the world lunges towards its climactic encounter with Jesus Christ and His return. We can safely assume that the belligerence of the "Prince of Persia" will escalate unless we wage an offensive "spiritual war" against him. We may be as effective as Daniel was in neutralizing the "Prince of Persia" and even save lives in the region over which this "prince" delights in causing mayhem and murder.

(Jan Markell is founder/director or Olive Tree Ministries. For more information or to get her free, pint newsletter, “Understanding the Times,” visit her Web site, www.olivetreeviews.org.)

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Eastern Mysticism & Christianity Not Compatible
--> Posted to Jans_Articles for June, 2005

Commentary on the News

Jan Markell

What do you say when a good friend who loves God, reads her Bible, and talks and walks her faith becomes a devotee of “Christian yoga”? You might brace yourself and prepare yourself, because “Christian yoga” is coming to a church near you. And to those who understand yoga’s Hindu roots and to all former New Agers, it will never be compatible with Evangelical Christianity.

The May 20 edition of “Christianity Today” on line featured an interview with a woman who says she is an Evangelical and proud of it, however, she is a devotee of yoga. She says she breathes in Christ and out stress. Holy Spirit in, fear out. God the Father in, carbon dioxide out. She is so thankful someone pried open her Evangelical mind to the wonders of yoga. She states, “Give me five minutes of yoga and my mind immediately goes to the metaphor of God’s Spirit being omnipresent and as necessary as air.” She insists the Hindu gods will never make it to her yoga mat. She would be in the chorus singing that yoga doesn’t belong to Hinduism but to “world spirituality.” Frankly, that doesn’t sound any better.

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Dobson is the Antichrist and the Rest of Us Are the Taliban--Markell
--> Posted to Jans_Articles for May, 2005

James Dobson is the Antichrist and the Rest of Us Are the 'Taliban'

Commentary on the News

Monday, May 02, 2005

Jan Markell

Recently Ken Salazar (D-CO) called James Dobson the Antichrist. Having caused a bit of a fire storm, he later apologized and just said all like Dobson are fanatics and dangerous but that’s nothing new.

Many are throwing around the term “theocracy” in a negative way. That means in their eyes some are trying to establish a world governed by God, or at the very least, the Bible. Recently in Washington, secular humanists and liberals of all persuasion convened in Washington to strategize how to counter what they believe is a growing threat from conservatives and the “religious right.”

This battle isn’t new but now it seems the heavy armor is coming out, partly because today black is white, right is wrong, wrong is right, up is down, and good is evil (Is. 5:20). What should we expect?

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The New "Supernatural Sprituality"--Markell
--> Posted to Jans_Articles for April, 2005

The Dangers of the New ''Supernatural Spirituality''

Commentary on the News

Jan Markell

Good people are playing with matches today, and some are conservative and Evangelical Christians. An endless array of deceptive and "spiritual-sounding" religious experiences are flourishing.

Some call it the new "pop spirituality" and because so many people don't fully understand it or its origins, and because shepherds are not sounding enough alarms, "people are perishing for a lack of knowledge" (Hosea 4:6). Some of this is "feelings-based" and fits in well with "comfortable Christianity" and the "feel good" longings 21st Century people have.

What's going on seems to be a "death of discernment" across the board--all faiths, and including people of no faith. Some churches continue to use as a discussion forum Dan Brown's huge best-seller, "The DaVinci Code." Doubleday publishers state, "None of us dreamed it would be such a historic publication. If 'Harry Potter' stands as the essential popular read for young people, 'The DaVinci Code' has captured the crown for adults."

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America's Worst "Best Ally"--Saudi Arabia
--> Posted to Jans_Articles for March, 2005

America’s Worst “Best Ally”—Saudi Arabia
By Jan Markell

Delusions abound today. One of them is that Saudi Arabia is our "good Middle East ally and friend." But reality reveals that they are not pro-West, they are not pro-American, and they are not "moderates" in the region. So why have American presidents and diplomats wined and dined them for years and consulted them when shaping American foreign policy? They are another evil empire, and fifteen of the nineteen 9/11 terrorists hailed from Saudi Arabia because they had been brainwashed by violent Wahhabi Islamic fundamentalism.

This week the Justice Department accused a 23-year old Virginia native, Ahmed Omar Abu Ali, of plotting to assassinate President Bush. He had been sent to a Saudi jail months ago even though he and his family are U.S. citizens. The media's reaction was typical: It centered on Ali's claims of torture by the Saudis, and lauded the fact that he was valedictorian of his jihad high school outside of Washington, D.C.

What few are talking about is that his U.S. high school operates under the authority of the Saudi government. The school teaches an extremist form of the Wahhabi faith, and has direct ties to at least three others terrorists--two of them former students. The obvious question everyone should be asking is, does this high school create an environment in which terrorism can thrive in our homeland? The Saudis opened the school in 1984 to instruct children of Saudi diplomats in the religion of their homeland.

The mother of the young man, herself enjoying all the luxuries and comforts of America, stated that Ahmed was tortured on orders of the American government because we are "monsters." The father also derided America. Though they are wealthy people, I am still willing to take a collection to send them all back to their burka-wearing, women-abusing, religiously-intolerant gulag called Saudi Arabia. Deportation should be on everyone's mind but you can bet it hasn't entered the thoughts of any U.S. official.

How about shutting down this school? It's clearly a training ground for terrorists. Look, we're at war! The Saudis are a part of the problem, not the solution. Recently the Saudi daily Al-Riyadh called President Bush a Nazi and suggested Bush's grandfather helped bring Hitler to power. Let's have a few less Texas barbecues for the Saudi royals with the red carpet laid out.

The world's biggest con artists are the Saudis and America is the willing target. The U.S. media, other than some alternative sources, pay little attention to what the mullahs in both American and Saudi mosques say about our nation. And what they say in English doesn't square with what they say in Arabic! As I reported on my radio program last weekend, "Freedom House," run by former CIA Director James Woolsey, revealed some literature now being passed out in American mosques, financed by Saudi Arabia, as reported in "The Washington Times." The propaganda tells Saudis in America to "behave as if you were on a mission behind enemy lines." More than 200 similar publications were found in U.S. mosques, and all are pro-Wahhabi, anti-Christian, anti-American, and anti-Semitic.

Our government needs to declare Saudi Arabia our "hate-monger ally," not one of America's "best allies." Once again, we are standing in the way of our own self-preservation.

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The Religious Left: 1933 - 2005
--> Posted to Jans_Articles for March, 2005

Commentary on the News

Jan Markell

There isn't much that has changed with the "religious Left" all the way back to 1933. Let me illustrate.

We have recently witnessed the 60th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, the concentration camp that claimed so many lives during the Holocaust. The "religious Left" had some complicity back then as well. Many of those churches, both Protestant and Catholic, turned a blind eye to the plight of those being gassed and starved. Most denominations and individual churches co-operated in it all because they had been seduced by Hitler.

There were denominations and individual churches that refused this kind of co-operation to be sure. They would not put Hitler's picture on their wall or altar as they were commanded to do. I write about this in my book about Holocaust survivor Anita Dittman. Her pastor from the Lutheran Confessional Church ignored the Nazis sitting in his service and aided the Jews of his community as well.
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Iraq's "Insurgents"--What the Media Won't Tell You
--> Posted to Jans_Articles for January, 2005

Iraq’s “Insurgents”—What the Media Won’t Tell You
By Jan Markell
www.olivetreeviews.org

Just about everybody will tell you that Abu Mus-ab Al Zarqawi is behind the "insurgents" (terrorists) in Iraq. They're wrong. Zarqawi is but a puppet on a string. The real culprit was the Hebrew prophet Daniel's nemesis as well--the "Prince of Persia." You can read about it in Daniel 10.

This demonic spirit-being headquartered in Iraq and Iran millennia ago and he still does as spirit-beings don't die. Instead, they are neutralized in spiritual warfare: "For we are not contending against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in heavenly places" (Eph. 6:12). Terrorists, nations, and cultures, can be shaped by demonic beings such as the "Prince of Persia."

He is a might