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

News Watch: Topical

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

Soulforce Marches On

By Jan Markell

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.

Please be aware that none of these churches have invited Soulforce. The organization couldn't care less about invitations. They fill up their busload of young people and storm uninvited into schools and other establishments and this spring and summer the targets are churches.

Calling this "adventure" the "American Family Outing," Soulforce will enter Lakewood Church (Joel Osteen), The Potter's House (T.D. Jakes), Saddleback Church (Rick Warren), Willow Creek Community Church (Bill Hybels), Hope Christian Church (Harry Jackson), and New Missionary Church (Eddie Long). Again Soulforce has not been invited, but these churches aren't turning them away. Perhaps there is always the underlying hope that these colleges and churches can make a difference in the lives of Soulforce men and women.

Soulforce states on its Web site that they wish to "begin a process of changing hearts and minds" in those churches and to educate the national public through the media on the issues of faith, family, and sexuality."

A spokesman for Focus on the Family says, "These churches that have been targeted by Soulforce need to be clear about the real agenda. It's not for dialogue and greater understanding. It's to tempt them to embrace a false doctrine that will keep many from the gospel message of hope and transformation for those who are trapped in homosexuality." Stephen Bennett, a former homosexual, outlined their strategy and philosophy on my April 14 radio program. You can learn more about his excellent ministry to set the captives free here as well as learning more about the tactics of Soulforce reported on the program.

Scripture warns us that in the last days there will be a great falling away and that wolves in sheep's clothing will try to enter the fold and deceive the very elect. While most consider that to be false teachers or programs in the church, now we see that it also includes organizations that storm their way in like the Nazi Gestapo, uninvited, and whose goal is chaos, confusion, and twisting the minds of the sheep.

This alert is sent out mainly for prayer purposes. The Soulforce campaign runs from Mother's Day through Father's Day, and is a great slap in the face to the traditional family. They will challenge what the Bible says, cause disruption and likely stand and turn their back to the preachers in the pulpit. Pray for wisdom for church leaders who will come under this oppression and for opportunities to share the true gospel with these men and women, even though they are hostile to all things biblical.

If you are tired of bad news, I invite you to visit my "Radio Archives" where I have posted one of Dr. David Reagan's messages at "Understanding the Times 2007." He focuses on our glorious eternal future. It is the believer's blessed hope. He outlines the scenario in easy-to-understand terms. This was the most popular message presented at our fall event last October.

Also check out my radio interviews with Gary Kah and Jack Kinsella from last weekend that have been posted at "Radio Archives." Both gave outstanding insights into the "Campaign 2008." Kah focused on the candidates and their position on globalism or the coming one-world government. Christians remain confused by election issues and the candidates, and these two men offer great insights.

For complete radio information including radio outlets and podcasting, visit those links. We air live, Saturdays, 9 to 11 AM CDT, out of AM980 KKMS, Minneapolis/St. Paul. We are simulcast live with AM820 KGNW, Seattle/Tacoma, 7 to 9 AM PDT. Our other outlets air on a tape-delayed system. You can always "listen live" at www.kkms.com or www.kgnw.com. All programming goes up on our Web site at "Radio Archives" late Monday.

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

The Kingdom of God Won't Come Through Big Government

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."

Wallis states in his new book The Great Awakening that the right is obsessed with fighting abortion laws and stopping "gay rights." Both are way too divisive and not nearly as important as programs for the poor, climate change, and giving away American sovereignty, preferably to illegal immigrants. The Christian right does not care about the poor and many other social issues, according to Jim Wallis.

Wallis, his associate Tony Campolo, and many others who emphasize the social gospel are sadly now called "evangelicals" or "progressive evangelicals." These advocates for social justice go beyond the antics of the religious left and suggest that the kingdom of God on earth will come about through big government. They stress the "red letters of the Bible," and are often called "red letter Christians."

They would advocate some of the following:

· Christians are too war-like when we should love our enemies.

· Universal health care should be provided by the government.

· The U.S. should pull out of Iraq and Afghanistan and address the real problem of terrorism by creating a Palestinian state and addressing the root cause, poverty.

· Christians should be offering sanctuary to all illegal aliens.

· The U.S. should cut the military budget and expand wealth-redistribution programs.

In other words, since such concepts and issues are the red letters of Jesus brought into the 21st century, "red letter Christians" have just about made Jesus a socialist. Jesus also said that we must be born again (John 3:7) but you likely won't ever hear this crowd talk about that.

Apparently at Harvey's church, money, guaranteed jobs, and worldly goods better be part of the package or else Jesus can just pack up and go right back to Israel - whoops, I mean "Palestine." So the pastor of the church and Wallis suggest that the church today has "failed." Harvey states, "Well, next time there's a Katrina or a tsunami, we conservative Christians might want to boycott the relief efforts, stay home from mission trips, and let's just see if the deficit is made up from the 'social justice left' or, perhaps, a coming Democratic administration's expanded social programs."

While Wallis gets standing ovations on college campuses including my alma mater, Bethel University in St. Paul, Minnesota, there are many who join me in saying that the religious left doesn't frame my priorities, my gospel, or my vote.

Jesus' perspective pervades the entire Bible, not just the red letters. There is nothing in the red letters that is at odds with the rest of the Bible. There is no contradiction between the red letters and the black letters -- but not to "red letter Christians."

When one of these men visits your church, would you ask them about spreading the good news of sacrifice, repentance, forgiveness of sins, spiritual renewal, and rebirth? Ask them to tone down the news of redistributing the wealth, faith in government, the gospel of global warming, and moral relativism.

To better understand this, visit the "Spiritual Deception" category at my Web site.

LIVE RADIO THIS WEEKEND: Jack Kinsella from Omega Intelligence Digest joins me as well as Gary Kah. Kah will address the presidential candidates in light of their globalism ambitions. We air live out of AM980 KKMS, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Saturday, 9 to 11 AM CDT and simulcast with AM820 KGNW, Seattle, 7 to 9 AM. Our other outlets are tape-delayed. For podcasting, check this link. You can always "listen live" at www.kkms.com. All programming goes up on our "Radio Archives" late Monday. There is a complete rebroadcast on AM980 KKMS that you can also tap into at their Web site, Sunday, 12 to 2 PM.

Awaiting His return,

Jan Markell

You may pass on these items or have people sign up on our Web site. We update "Current Headlines" twice a day and you can access our radio programming from the last three years on "Radio Archives." Also see the Web site for other options to catch the program, "Understanding the Times." Please report e-mail address changes.

Please remember us prayerfully and financially. Donate on our Web site. (Gifts are tax-deductible with receipts sent out monthly.)

Note: Due to volume, we cannot respond to every ministry email but each one is read and appreciated.

Olive Tree Ministries, Inc.
Box 1452
Maple Grove, MN 55311
763-493-3010or 763-210-8291

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If You're Being Misrepresented -- Do Something!
--> Posted to Jans_eUpdates for April, 2008

If You're Being Misrepresented -- Do Something!

There has always been a home and a refuge for the nation of Israel among evangelical Christians -- until recently. While there remain ministries and pastors who will stand with her, many are now bailing out on God's chosen people.

The proof of this is illustrated starkly by the position of the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE), a ministry that since 1942 has been a voice for millions of Christians. It was originally created to be a conservative representation for Christians in contrast to the notoriously liberal National Council of Churches (NCC), which has always focused primarily on the social gospel instead of the gospel of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.

Some are asking if there's much difference between the two organizations, an issue that has arisen only in recent years. The following paragraphs may better explain that.

Pro-Israel evangelicals aren't asking for much from the NAE. All they're asking for is that the organization make a statement that evangelicals as a body stand with Israel and her right to exist and defend herself. It's that simple. Such a statement need not come off as anti-Muslim/Palestinian as many fear -- or endanger missionaries working in Muslim countries. All believers have a concern for the plight of the Palestinian Christians.

The NAE's response is that they wish to focus heavily on "creation care" (a euphemism for global warming). Richard Cizek, Vice President of Government Affairs with the NAE, has been in the news due to his strong stand on global warming. This has painted the entire NAE as a pro-man-made global warming organization.

There are clearly many members of the NAE who don't hold to that position although they would not deny that God has asked us to take care of His creation. But some contend that of greater importance to God, as evidenced by a large portion of Scripture, are the Jewish people -- Israel -- and God's plan for them through the ages -- past, present and future. From Genesis 12:3 where God says that He will bless those who bless Israel and curse those who curse her and forward throughout the whole Bible, God's love and protection for His people are obvious.

Recently a similar, though lesser-known ministry, the World Evangelical Alliance, issued a statement that the Jewish people should be evangelized. In addition, the statement asserted that Jews who believe in Jesus are still Jews. This statement was in response to assertions to the contrary. But the NAE would not sign this statement.

And several conservative Christian leaders have signed a letter to the NAE stating that there is not enough evidence supporting man-made global warming to make it an issue the NAE should support, and that the NAE "lacks the expertise to settle the controversy." Signers include Dr. James Dobson, Gary Bauer, Don Wildmon, Tony Perkins, and Paul Weyrich.

Israel may not be on the NAE's agenda, but she is on God's agenda. In the past the NAE has always been a friend of Israel, and proudly stated so. This stance has clearly been diminished very recently.

You and your church may be represented by the NAE. If their position of silence against Israel troubles you, we encourage you to let them know! Please contact the NAE by writing NAE President Leith Anderson at president@nae.net, or the chairman of the executive board, Roy Taylor, at rtaylor@pcanet.org.

Don't just sound off but, in addition, constructively pray for NAE leadership, because the influence of the organization can be great and has been a positive influence that is sorely needed in a day of growing apostasy and leftist causes. When contacting them, do so in Christian love.

To better understand this, visit our "Israel" category at my Web site. It also features pictorials in motion.

LIVE RADIO THIS WEEKEND: Apologetics and more apologetics with discernment Pastor Bob DeWaay. Also, Caryl Matrisciana, award-winning video-journalist joins me to discuss "Supernatural powers: The battle between good and evil."

We are live out of AM980 KKMS, Minneapolis/St. Paul Saturday, 9 to 11 AM CDT, simulcast with AM820 KGNW, Seattle/Tacoma, WA, 7 to 9 AM PDT. All other outlets including Sirius Satellite are tape-delayed and can be found here. Programming is posted to "Radio Archives" by late Monday and we have three years of radio programming at "Radio Archives." For podcasting, check this link.

There is a complete rebroadcast on Sunday on AM980 KKMS from 12 to 2 PM. You can always "listen live" at www.kkms.com Saturday or Sunday.

Awaiting His return,

Jan Markell

You may pass on these items or have people sign up on our Web site. We update "Current Headlines" twice a day and you can access our radio programming from the last three years on "Radio Archives." Also see the Web site for other options to catch the program, "Understanding the Times." Please report e-mail address changes.

Please remember us prayerfully and financially. Donate on our Web site. (Gifts are tax-deductible with receipts sent out monthly.)

Note: Due to volume, we cannot respond to every ministry email but each one is read and appreciated.

Olive Tree Ministries, Inc.
Box 1452
Maple Grove, MN 55311
763-493-3010or 763-210-8291

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The Delusions of Jimmy Carter - April 17
--> Posted to Jans_eUpdates for April, 2008

The Delusions of Jimmy Carter

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. The State Department told him "don't go." Carter stressed he was on a fact-finding tour for the Carter Center. That is why Israel is exercising pressure to try to prevent this meeting.

Among others, Khaled Meshal, the notorious Hamas commander living in exile in Damascus will be paid a visit. For one thing, there is little to be learned from him. His resume speaks gruesomely for itself. A Hamas veteran, Meshal is suspected by Israeli authorities of being the mastermind of several high-profile terror attacks. The June 2006 abduction of Israeli soldier Gilad Schalit reportedly was carried out on his orders.

Meshal makes no effort to conceal his true aim: To destroy the Jewish state through a relentless campaign of terrorism.

To his supporters, Meshal can be heard declaring that "Israel with the help of Allah will be defeated." With chilling candor, he has confessed that "resistance" - i.e., terrorism - is not only the "basis" of Palestinian politics but the "destiny" of the Palestinian people.

Carter has maintained that "there is a good chance" that Hamas could become a nonviolent organization, which clearly shows a "Carter delusion."

Deluded though it is, there is a reason why Carter is prepared to believe Hamas' rhetoric over brutal reality. As he made clear in his book Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid, Carter shares the Palestinian terrorists' belief that Israel's "occupation," as opposed to the Palestinians' refusal to recognize Israel and their war against it, is to blame for the stalemated conflict.

Carter has become a pawn of terrorists who have the blood of countless Israelis, as well as Americans, on their hands.

Since Israel's withdrawal from Gaza in 2005 and the end of the so-called "occupation" there, Hamas and other Palestinian terrorist groups have launched more than 6,000 rockets and mortars into Israel. But I bet that topic will not even come up.

As Frank Gaffney states, "In point of fact, it seems there is scarcely a serious bad actor on the planet with whom Jimmy Carter has not met. He is a serial tyrant-enabler, the very personification of Rodney King's appeal, 'Can't we all get along?' Mr. Carter has come to epitomize the notion that "dialogue" is always in order, no matter how odious or dangerous. In short, thanks in no small measure to Jimmy Carter's proclivities and meddling, the world is a considerably more dangerous place.

That Carter continues to see these committed killers as peacemakers just furthers his strong delusion.

As Gary Bauer says, "Will Carter ask Hamas to end its anti-Semitic indoctrination of Palestinian children?" The latest from the region was a TV program showing Hamas killing President Bush.

Hamas, which is covenantally-committed to destroying Israel, has been designated a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union.

For a greater understanding of all of this, visit these categories at my Web site: Israel, Islam & the Arabs, and "Palestine."

Appeasement never works! If the Islamofascists believe America, then Hamas, Hezbollah, and Syria warrant "negotiations" and this will embolden some of America's worst enemies as well.

Proverbs 12:15 says, "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkens unto counsel is wise."

Parts of this article were taken from Jacob Laskin's writings on FrontPageMag.

Visit "Radio Archives" and learn just what "black liberation theology" is all about. This is from last weekend's programming.

Awaiting His return,

Jan Markell

You may pass on these items or have people sign up on our Web site. We update "Current Headlines" twice a day and you can access our radio programming from the last three years on "Radio Archives." Also see the Web site for other options to catch the program, "Understanding the Times." Please report e-mail address changes.

Please remember us prayerfully and financially. Donate on our Web site. (Gifts are tax-deductible with receipts sent out monthly.)

Note: Due to volume, we cannot respond to every ministry email but each one is read and appreciated.

Olive Tree Ministries, Inc.
Box 1452
Maple Grove, MN 55311
763-493-3010or 763-210-8291

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Is a Taxpayer-Funded Muslim School Coming to a Neighborhood Near You?
--> Posted to Jans_eUpdates for April, 2008

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

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 tax-payer-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.

"TIZA has many characteristics that suggest a religious school. It shares the headquarters building of the Muslim American Society of Minnesota, whose mission is 'establishing Islam in Minnesota.' The building also houses a mosque. TIZA's executive director, Asad Zaman, is a Muslim imam, or religious leader, and its sponsor is an organization called Islamic Relief," says Kersten.

Students pray daily, the cafeteria serves halal food -- permissible under Islamic law -- and "Islamic Studies" is offered at the end of the school day.

Kersten was not encouraged to visit the school by Ziyad, but now a substitute teacher has come out and spilled the beans. Prior to a school-mandated assembly, the teacher says she was told her duties would include taking her fifth-grade students to the bathroom, four at a time, to perform "their ritual washing."

Afterward, the teacher said, "teachers led the kids into the gym, where a man dressed in white with a white cap, who had been at the school all day, was preparing to lead prayer. Beside him, another man was prostrating himself in prayer on a carpet as the students entered.

"The prayer I saw was not voluntary," she said. "The kids were corralled by adults and required to go to the assembly where prayer occurred." She also noted the kids were studying the Koran. School buses did not leave until all "Islamic studies" were over.

Why does the Minnesota Department of Education allow this sort of religious activity at a public school? According to Zaman, the department inspects TIZA regularly, and has done so "numerous times," to ensure that it is not a religious school. And is a school like this coming to a neighborhood near you, funded by your tax dollars? The Department of Education in Minnesota has visited the school three times, so what's up? Probably political correctness. According to federal guidelines on prayer in schools, teachers at a public school cannot participate in prayer with students -- yet they are according to the whistle-blower teacher.

As Kersten concludes, "Schools cannot favor one religion by offering services for only its adherents, or promote after-school religious instruction for only one group. In addition, there's a double standard at work here. If TIZA were a Christian school, it would likely be gone in a heartbeat. TIZA is now being held up as a national model for a new kind of charter school. If it passes legal muster, Minnesota taxpayers may soon find themselves footing the bill for a separate system of education for Muslims."

Where is the outrage?

LIVE RADIO THIS WEEKEND: I will be joined by an African American Christian who will help us understand "Black Liberation Theology" as we have witnessed by one promoter, Rev. Jeremiah Wright. Second hour Eric Barger joins me from "Take a Stand Ministries." We air live on AM980 KKMS, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Saturday 9 to 11 AM CDT, simulcast live with AM820 KGNW, Seattle, WA, 7 to 9 AM PDT. You can "listen live" at the Web sites of KGNW or KKMS. All weekend programming goes on our Web site late Monday at "Radio Archives." Check this link for all of our radio outlets and this link for podcasting. There is a partial rebroadcast on KGNW Sunday, 5 PM and a full rebroadcast on KKMS Sunday, 12 to 2 PM. You can listen to the two hours at the KKMS Web site on Sunday, although it is not live.

Awaiting His return,

Jan Markell

You may pass on these items or have people sign up on our Web site. We update "Current Headlines" twice a day and you can access our radio programming from the last three years on "Radio Archives." Also see the Web site for other options to catch the program, "Understanding the Times." Please report e-mail address changes.

Please remember us prayerfully and financially. Donate on our Web site. (Gifts are tax-deductible with receipts sent out monthly.)

Note: Due to volume, we cannot respond to every ministry email but each one is read and appreciated.

Olive Tree Ministries, Inc.
Box 1452
Maple Grove, MN 55311
763-493-3010or 763-210-8291

« Back to Headlines

Of Fences and Double Standards - April 8
--> Posted to Jans_eUpdates for April, 2008

Of Fences and Double Standards

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.

As Roger Hedgecock says in World Net Daily, "Recently, the State Department announced that the U.S would allocate $23 million dollars (your money) to Egypt to help build a border fence between Egypt and Gaza! Wait, there's more -- the announcement committed the assistance of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with new tunnel detecting technology to help stop Palestinian smugglers from crossing underneath that border."

As a recent immigration official said on my radio program, "Understanding the Times," we need high technology along our southern border as well as fence. Also in World Net Daily, press accounts described new tunnel detection technology deployed on a UAV, or Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, which in an August 2006 test successfully detected a known smuggler's tunnel under the border near Douglas, Ariz. This technology has not been seen since then on the U.S.-Mexico border, but apparently will now be deployed to the Egypt-Gaza border. This falls under the category of "where is the outrage?"

While many who love Israel are not opposed to this fence that will work in Israel's favor in the long run, it should also be mentioned that Israel has had a fence (or wall) to protect itself from homicide bombers. She has gotten world pressure to tear it down. Why this double standard? Homicide bombing is down enormously since the construction of this fence/wall.

Additionally, Egypt countered that it did not have the capability to "detect" tunnels under the border with Gaza, whereupon the Bush administration committed $23 million of military assistance money to deploy cutting-edge tunnel detection technology only recently developed by the U.S. military.

As Hedgecock states, "So, desperate taxpayers, the good news is that the Bush administration is finally exhibiting the will to control a border and developing the technology to 'detect and destroy' border smuggling tunnels. The bad news is it's on the Egypt-Gaza border and not also along our own open border with Mexico."
There is enormous turmoil in the Middle East region as this is written. Rumors of war abound. There are drills, gas masks, warnings, and all signs of impending war. Please keep this all in prayer. The term "nuclear war" is even being used.

How about some progress on the fence on the U.S. border and how about backing off of Israel and condemning her for protecting her citizens particularly at this time of extreme tension?

RADIO: I direct you to my "Radio Archives" where I have posted Joel Rosenberg's "Epicenter" part 2 talk at "Understanding the Times 2007." The complete set of all speakers can be purchased here, with prices marked down. Also check out my conversation with Warren Smith, former New Ager, on the deception of Oprah Winfrey, and another hour with Ken Silva on "red letter Christians." We now air LIVE in two outlets: AM980 KKMS, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Saturdays, 9 to 11 AM CDT (with a rebroadcast Sunday, 12 to 2 PM) and AM820 KGNW, Seattle, Saturdays, 7 to 9 AM PDT with a partial rebroadcast Sunday at 5 PM PDT. All programming goes up on our "Radio Archives" by late Monday. For podcasting information, visit this link. For outlets on which we air, visit this link. You can always "listen live" at the Web sites of the two live stations, KGNW and KKMS. Please remember our radio outreach as radio rates continue to rise with many ministries having to drop off. We also have cut back on our outreach for similar reasons.

Awaiting His return,

Jan Markell

You may pass on these items or have people sign up on our Web site. We update "Current Headlines" twice a day and you can access our radio programming from the last three years on "Radio Archives." Also see the Web site for other options to catch the program, "Understanding the Times." Please report e-mail address changes.

Please remember us prayerfully and financially. Donate on our Web site. (Gifts are tax-deductible with receipts sent out monthly.)

Note: Due to volume, we cannot respond to every ministry email but each one is read and appreciated.

Olive Tree Ministries, Inc.
Box 1452
Maple Grove, MN 55311
763-493-3010or 763-210-8291

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What is Black Liberation Theology? -- April 2
--> Posted to Jans_eUpdates for April, 2008

What is Black Liberation Theology?

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?

The most prominent leader of Black Liberation Theology is Rev. James Cone whose 1969 book Black Liberation and Black Power was hugely influential in disseminating the beliefs of this movement. Those who have examined it suggest that the belief system of Rev. Jeremiah Wright of Trinity United Church of Christ mirrors those of Cone: Jesus is black, Marxism can aid in a true understanding of the gospels, and the white church in America is evil or, some might even say, is the Antichrist.

Cone argued that the white church and white theologians had all failed in their duties to uphold biblical principles of helping the poor and marginalized of society. Indeed, in Cone's view, white Christians had become actively complicit in making the lives of others worse. Because of this, it was no longer acceptable to leave the interpretation of the Bible to white Christians.

Black Liberation Theology is dangerous, unscriptural and misrepresents "white efforts" to help the poor. The fact is, most humanitarian agencies have white leadership and white Christians support the organizations. But Cone didn't stop with just whites: He also criticized middle-class black churches. He felt all black churches should speak out as Rev. Wright has been doing for decades.

Now The Washington Times has come out with information to make the scenario even worse. They state in their April 2, 2008 issue, "The church where Sen. Barack Obama has worshipped for two decades publicly declares that its ministry is founded on a 1960s book that espouses 'the destruction of the white enemy.' They quote Cone as saying, 'What we need is the divine love as expressed in black power, which is the power of black people to destroy their oppressors here and now by any means at their disposal. Unless God is participating in this holy activity, we must reject His love."

This is bizarre, yet a spokesman for Obama says, "It's absurd to suggest that Obama or anyone should be held responsible for every quote in every book read by a member of their church."

Wait a minute! We aren't only dealing with a quote or a book! We're talking about a candidate for President of the United States who has remained in a congregation for 22 years that appears to espouse some of the principles above. To have anything to do with Black Liberation Theology is to identify with hard-core Socialism and possibly even Marxism. It comes out of their own mouths.

Every serious church attendee looks into the belief system for the church they choose to attend -- as I have done several times -- because every church has a statement of faith. Even Trinity United Church of Christ is bold about their statement of faith and it is easily accessible.

Where is the outrage that over many years such a fury flourishes in America as Black Liberation Theology? If one looks carefully at it, the principles are almost that of a jihadist! This goes well beyond the antics of the "religious left" and makes them look like moderates -- which, by comparison, they are.

Pray for our churches today. Whether they are caught up in wrong theology or dangerous theology, God has not forgotten them nor should we. America will be as strong or weak as her churches are.

Learn more at my Web site under "Spiritual Deception."

LIVE radio this weekend: Ken Silva from Apprising Ministries joins me to talk about Emergent leaders teaming up with the Dalai Lama at "Seeds of Compassion," and Warren Smith and I deal with Oprah Winfrey's latest -- again. We are live out of Minneapolis/St. Paul on AM980 KKMS from 9 to 11 AM CDT simulcast (live) with AM820 KGNW, Seattle/Tacoma/Bremerton, 7 to 9 AM PDT. You can "listen live" at either Web site or catch the program on Monday posted to our "Radio Archives." For podcasting, see this link. For the outlets we air in, visit this link.

Awaiting His return,

Jan Markell

You may pass on these items or have people sign up on our Web site. We update "Current Headlines" twice a day and you can access our radio programming from the last three years on "Radio Archives." Also see the Web site for other options to catch the program, "Understanding the Times." Please report e-mail address changes.

Please remember us prayerfully and financially. Donate on our Web site. (Gifts are tax-deductible with receipts sent out monthly.)

Note: Due to volume, we cannot respond to every ministry email but each one is read and appreciated.

Olive Tree Ministries, Inc.
Box 1452
Maple Grove, MN 55311
763-493-3010or 763-210-8291

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Important Radio Announcement: KGNW & more--March 31
--> Posted to Jans_eUpdates for March, 2008

A NOTE TO KGNW-LAND (SEATTLE) & OUR ENTIRE RADIO AUDIENCE

* Those of you in the Seattle/Tacoma/Bremerton and extended areas, thanks for your response to our radio program, "Understanding the Times," on AM820 KGNW. One hour was aired Saturday morning at 7 AM with a rebroadcast Sunday at 5 PM.

* The leadership of the ministry chose to expand that to two hours LIVE starting this Saturday, April 5, 7 to 9 AM PDT. There will still be a partial rebroadcast Sunday at 5 PM. You will be simulcast with our home station AM980 KKMS, which airs "Understanding the Times" live Saturdays, 9 to 11 AM CDT. We headquarter out of Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN.

* If you live in the area of KGNW's 50,000 watts, please tell a few folks. If you do not even live in that signal range, you may know someone who does. Our goal is to help you understand the times, contend for the faith, and become watchmen on the wall.

* Cities in the listening range include Seattle, Tacoma, Bremerton, Bellevue, Olympia, Everett, Mount Vernon, Bellingham, University Place, Issaquah, Puyallup, Kirkland, Snohomish, Federal Way, Lake Stevens, Seatac, Oroville, Port Angeles, and many more.

___________________________________

We are asking all to please remember this radio outreach both prayerfully and financially. With radio costs as they are today, we spend well over $200,000 a year to bring you the truth--even the inconvenient truth. This e-mail isn't a fund-raiser but it is a "raiser" of awareness that this is a major undertaking for any ministry. If you wish to see where we air, visit this link.

I believe we are entering unprecedented times in this world. As I write this I have learned that Dr. James Dobson is editing his radio programs to avoid any so-called "hate crimes." Christian ministries in Canada are being shut down for telling the truth.

As you know, most do not want to hear such bad news as they become fearful. But perilous times also make for opportunities to share the gospel with many who would not otherwise listen. A quick and painless way to learn of the issues of the day from a biblical perspective is by listening to "Understanding the Times."

Visit the Web site and the category of "Radio Archives" for three years of radio programming. For podcasting information, visit this link. Weekend programming is posted to "Radio Archives" usually by Sunday or Monday.

And AM820 KGNW, Seattle, we can't wait to speak with you LIVE!

Awaiting His return,

Jan Markell

You may pass on these items or have people sign up on our Web site. We update "Current Headlines" twice a day and you can access our radio programming from the last three years on "Radio Archives." Also see the Web site for other options to catch the program, "Understanding the Times." Please report e-mail address changes.

Please remember us prayerfully and financially. Donate on our Web site. (Gifts are tax-deductible with receipts sent out monthly.)

Note: Due to volume, we cannot respond to every ministry email but each one is read and appreciated.

Olive Tree Ministries, Inc.
Box 1452
Maple Grove, MN 55311
763-493-3010 or 763-210-8291

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Prophecy: Looking in a Rear-View Mirror? - March 25
--> Posted to Jans_eUpdates for March, 2008

Bible Prophecy: Looking in a Rear-View Mirror?

By Jan Markell

Aberrant theology flourishes today, but one that has to be the toughest to believe is called Preterism. This view holds that either all or most of the book of Revelation was fulfilled in the First Century! According to prophecy scholar Dr. David Reagan, the view was developed in the 17th Century by a Jesuit priest named Luis de Alcazar (1554-1613). His purpose was to defend the Catholic Church against the attacks of the Reformers.

Reagan continues, "A more radical form of Preterism gained popularity in the latter part of the 20th Century and is today the most widely held version of this interpretive approach. It sees nearly all the prophecies of Revelation as fulfilled in the 70 A.D. destruction of Jerusalem, except for the resurrection of believers and the Second Coming of Jesus. It assigns the Tribulation to the fall of Israel, the great apostasy to the First Century Church, and the last days to the period between Jesus' ascension and the destruction of Jerusalem. The beast is viewed as a symbol of Nero in particular and the Roman Empire in general. The False Prophet is equated with the leadership of apostate Israel."

Dr. Thomas Ice and Dr. Mark Hitchcock also address this issue brilliantly. Ice states, "Preterists argue that major prophetic portions of Scripture such as the Olivet Discourse and the Book of Revelation were fulfilled in events surrounding the 70 A.D. destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans. Preterists believe that they are compelled to take such a view because Matthew 24:34 and its parallel passages say that 'this generation will not pass away until all these things take place.' This means it had to take place in the first century, they argue. Revelation, they advocate, says something similar in the passages that say Christ is coming 'quickly' or that His return is 'at hand.' Having settled in their mind that these prophecies had to take place in the First Century, they believe they are justified in making the rest of the language fit into a local (Jerusalem) instead of a worldwide fulfillment.

"Most preterists believe that we are currently living in at least an inaugurated new heavens and new earth, since all the Book of Revelation had to have a First Century fulfillment."

Here are some quick bullet points:

· The Great Tribulation took place in the fall of Israel. It will not be repeated and thus is not a future event.

· The Great Apostasy happened in the First Century. We therefore have no biblical warrant to expect increasing apostasy as history progresses; instead, we should expect the increasing Christianization of the world.

· The Last Days is a biblical expression for the period between Christ's Advent and the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D., the "last days" of Israel.

· The Antichrist is a term used by John to describe the widespread apostasy of the Christian Church prior to the fall of Jerusalem. In general, any apostate teacher or system can be called "antichrist"; but the word does not refer to some "future Fuhrer".

· The Beast of Revelation was a symbol of both Nero in particular and the Roman Empire in general.

· The False Prophet of Revelation was none other than the leadership of apostate Israel, who rejected Christ and worshiped the Beast.

· The Millennium is the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, which He established at His First Advent. . . . the period between the First and Second Advents of Christ; the Millennium is going on now, with Christians reigning as kings on earth.

· The New Jerusalem is the church, now and forever.

Much more could be said so to do your own study, visit the Web sites of Dr. David Reagan and Dr. Thomas Ice. This theology gained ground in the late 20th and 21st Centuries thanks to men like Gary North, Gary DeMar, Hank Hanegraaff, R.C. Sproul, Ken Gentry, David Chilton, and others.

We now carry two products refuting this false teaching and they are pictured to the left. The three-DVD set captures a debate between Dr. Mark Hitchcock and Hank Hanegraaff just last December, Hitchcock representing Pre-Millennial Dispensationalism and Hannegraaff representing Preterism. The book by Ice and Hitchcock is an attempt to refute the false claims in Hannegraaff's book Apocalypse Code, which takes a swipe at Dr. Tim LaHaye over 440 times.

If we are to contend for the faith (Jude 3), we need to understand these issues as bizarre as they may sound. Sadly, new believers or those just trying to figure the ramifications of eschatology (end-times) are greatly confused when men with large radio audiences send such pathetic theology over the air waves to millions.

Also visit our Web category of "Prophecy Watch" for information related to this.

Awaiting His return,

Jan Markell

You may pass on these items or have people sign up on our Web site. We update "Current Headlines" twice a day and you can access our radio programming from the last three years on "Radio Archives." Also see the Web site for other options to catch the program, "Understanding the Times." Please report e-mail address changes.

Please remember us prayerfully and financially. Donate on our Web site. (Gifts are tax-deductible with receipts sent out monthly.)

Note: Due to volume, we cannot respond to every ministry email but each one is read and appreciated.

Olive Tree Ministries, Inc.
Box 1452
Maple Grove, MN 55311
763-493-3010 or 763-210-8291

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Gloom and Doom or Our Blessed Hope? - March 12
--> Posted to Jans_eUpdates for March, 2008

Gloom and Doom or Our Blessed Hope?

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

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 of 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 not do anything?

"We have radio and TV shows just talking about 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."

I wish we DID have a whole lot of churches having meetings on Bible prophecy! Instead, it was tossed out of the church 20 years ago! She couldn't be more wrong.

She continues, "If we truly believe these are the end-times, shouldn't we be saving souls? Your gloom and doom meetings are depressing and there is no life in them. I might as well just go kill myself because there is no hope. It's just gloom and doom from you people."

This young woman's statements came from a radio program, so it is hard to say how many people heard them. She virtually plastered everyone in two generations above her as having a morbid pre-occupation with the glorious news that the King is coming! I couldn't make it through a lot of days without knowing that. It's the most positive, uplifting message out there.

Yet, this is how many in the younger generation (thankfully not all) consider eschatology that is the theme of one-third of the Bible! There is a special crown for those who long for His appearing (II Tim. 4:8). Jesus chastised the religious rulers of His day for knowing the signs of the weather but not the signs of the times (His first coming.)

This gal went on to say all we need is to focus on winning the lost. I have to ask, What better tool is there for that than eschatology which reminds us that the hour is late?

Yes, Peter said there would be such scoffers in the last days but in spite of her claim to really know the Bible, she doesn't know that she is partially fulfilling it.

Studying prophecy is a faith-builder. We see how Jesus fulfilled all His first coming verses and believe there is no reason why He would not fulfill the verses for His return. Eschatology reminds us that God has a glorious future for us! He is our "blessed hope" (Titus 2:13). His return is hardly gloom and doom.

What is of concern is that, if the Lord should tarry, in another 20 years Bible prophecy will be an ancient relic set on the shelf by most everyone, because even today the lovers of it are primarily over age 50.

But nothing energizes me more than the simple phrase, "The King is coming!" And thankfully, I talk to a lot of people who feel the same! This is all that offers us hope in perilous times.

To learn more, visit the category of "Prophecy Watch" at my Web site.

A RECOMMENDED CONFERENCE FOR THOSE IN UPPER MIDWEST: RED RIVER BIBLE AND PROPHECY CONFERENCE, April 10-12 in Fargo, North Dakota. Get all information here.

Awaiting His return,

Jan Markell

You may pass on these items or have people sign up on our Web site. We update "Current Headlines" twice a day and you can access our radio programming from the last three years on "Radio Archives." Also see the Web site for other options to catch the program, "Understanding the Times." Please report e-mail address changes.

Please remember us prayerfully and financially. Donate on our Web site. (Gifts are tax-deductible with receipts sent out monthly.)

Note: Due to volume, we cannot respond to every ministry email but each one is read and appreciated.

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Jesus Didn't Ride a Rolls-Royce, but a Donkey--Feb. 22
--> Posted to Jans_eUpdates for February, 2008

Jesus Didn't Ride a Rolls-Royce, but a Donkey

This weekend on air I am interviewing Sen. Charles Grassley (R-IA) about his investigation into six ministries and their use of donor funds. The six include Benny Hinn, Kenneth and Gloria Copeland, David and Joyce Meyer, Randy and Paula White, and Creflo and Taffi Dollar. The investigation he is heading is not based on theology. It is based upon possible abuse of donor money to tax-exempt organizations and was further prompted by public complaints and statements from whistleblowers who were once associated with the ministries mentioned.

Grassley says to ministries and churches, "You are a trustee of the people's money." And he is right and as a ministry leader I take the words seriously.

Lee Grady from Charisma Magazine has made the following comments. One would think Charisma might be leading a campaign against Grassley but just the opposite. Due to space limitations, I am shortening Grady's comments.

He writes in a column, "In Defense of the Good Senator," that Grassley is a Bible-believing Christian and is not behind a devilish conspiracy. Judging from some, you'd think Grassley had donned a black hood and launched another inquisition.

Lee Grady chastises Paul Crouch for stating that the probe is similar to the probe of Hitler of Christians in the 1930s. Grady asks, "Just why are we so paranoid just because a senator has asked for some documents to prove that these ministries are in compliance with the law?"

Grady continues that Grassley doesn't believe in government intrusion of religion. The inquiry, not inquisition, is strictly about compliance with the law, not about doctrine. He wants to be sure these six ministries are following the law and that hardly makes him evil or a conspirator.

Lee Grady emphasizes that Grassley has a reputation for integrity. Secular outfits Grassley examined, such as the American Red Cross, did make internal changes in order to correct financial abuses and to comply with IRS rules.

Sen. Grassley has said, "Jesus came into the city on a donkey. To what extent do you need a Rolls-Royce to expand the ministry of Jesus Christ?" referring to some being questioned who boast of their Rolls-Royces.

This is an honest question from an honest man, and it deserves some honest answers.

Kudos to Lee Grady and Charisma Magazine for telling the truth behind this story. It is not a witch hunt or an effort to demonize anyone or any ministry. It is about following rules which the Bible tells us we must and about protecting either innocent or naïve followers of ministries who could be abused.

We air live only in Minneapolis/St. Paul and you can "listen live" at www.kkms.com. We air on a tape-delayed basis in several cities and all programming goes up on our Web site at "Radio Archives" on Monday. For podcasting information and the cities in which we air, visit the category of "Radio Show." We are live Saturdays, 9 to 11 AM CST with a rebroadcast Sunday, 12 to 2 PM on AM980 KKMS. As a bonus, we currently have Joel Rosenberg's first message at "Understanding the Times 2007" posted at "Radio Archives" now. We hope to be two hours live on KGNW AM820, Seattle, either March 29 or April 5.

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First the Saturday People, then the Sunday People--Feb. 18
--> Posted to Jans_eUpdates for February, 2008

First the Saturday People, then the Sunday People

Did you know an earthquake struck one area that is the most politically sensitive place on earth? Or is this partly propaganda? Muslim authorities report that the tremor, centered in southern Lebanon and measuring 5.3 on the Richter scale, opened a crater on Jerusalem's Temple Mount, adjacent to the Dome of the Rock. Officials from the Wakf blamed Israel for the 6-foot by 5-foot hole, about 3 feet deep, accusing the Jewish State of tunneling beneath the Temple Mount. The Wakf demanded an end to all Israeli excavations in the area. You can view the "holy hole" here.

Hold on! It's Muslims doing most of the excavating in an attempt to destroy the history of Israel found on that Mount. The Wakf's position is that there was never a Jewish Temple on the Temple Mount, and they have gone to great efforts to erase archaeological evidence of Judaism's historical ties to the site. There was no independent confirmation that the quake caused the hole, in fact. The photograph was provided by the Wakf, and it is conceivable that the hole was "created" for propaganda purposes rather than as the natural result of the earthquake.

In another story unrelated to this, where is the outrage as to the destruction of the Christians in Gaza? Some 3,000 Christians live among some 1.4 million Muslims who are intent on ridding Gaza of all Christians.

Last week the YMCA in Gaza was destroyed. On October 6 last year, Muslims abducted Rami Ayyad, the manager of Gaza's only Christian bookstore that had been bombed by masked Muslims six months earlier. He died after being repeatedly shot and stabbed.

This is called ethnic-cleansing but in many parts of the world, if it is Christians being "cleansed," there isn't much outrage! Yet these Muslims are the celebrated "peace partners" of today. This is the great weakness of Palestinian nationalism. Golda Meir captured it decades ago with her observation that has become a truism: "There will not be peace until the Arabs love their children more than they hate our children." And there can be no peace until Arab textbooks are "cleansed" from the bitter anti-Israel rhetoric that races across every page of every book.

As journalist Stan Goodenough rightly states, "For Gaza's Muslims, ridding themselves of any active Christian presence would be a cherry on top after successfully forcing Israel to remove every single Jew from Gaza in 2005.

And it's not just Gaza. Tens of thousands of Palestinian Christians have been killed or driven out of Israel by Palestinian thugs in other areas such as Bethlehem.

But Gaza is the hot bed. While Christians are persecuted, over 8,000 deadly rockets have reigned down on Israel from Gaza causing death and misery for Israelis. Have you seen these stories coverered extensively anywhere but on the Internet? And where are the "religious Left" and National/World Council of Churches--traditional defenders of the oppressed? It would seem they have a full-time job bashing Israel or urging divestment of all stock in Israel to weaken her economy.

Palestinian crowds have often been heard to chant: "First we'll fight on Saturday and then on Sunday" -- meaning after they rid the world of Jews, they'll move on to the Christians.

Westerners who feel they don't want to get involved with "Israel's problems" need to realize that if they are Christians they are a moving target as well. It would make far more sense for Christians around the world to come to Israel's aid because we share the same enemy. At the same time and perhaps more importantly, we share the same Bible, the same God, and the same writers of the Bible. We even share the same Messiah although many Jews have yet to recognize Him.

RADIO: I have posted one of Joel Rosenberg's messages at "Understanding the Times 2007" on "radio archives." Listening is easy! You just click on an icon. We have three years of radio programming there as well as podcasting information. Now and then we post a "Web bonus special" and this time it is Rosenberg's part one message at our conference October 19-20, 2007. For further information, visit "Our Products." This Saturday, Feb. 23, for LIVE programming, Sen. Charles Grassley reports on the investigation of some televangelists alleged to be misusing contributor's dollars.

We air live out of AM980 KKMS, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Saturdays from 9 to 11 AM CST with a complete rebroadcast Sunday, 12 to 2 PM. If you are listening to AM820 KGNW in the Seattle/Tacoma/Bremerton area, we hope to come to you live April 5, 7 to 9 AM PST. Mark your calendar and spread the word! We presently air in these cities and outlets. You can always "listen live" at kkms.com.

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

Why Must Christianity Be Re-invented?

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 a portion of it. 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.

The Schuller "Re-Think" event was co-hosted by Emergent leader Erwin McManus. Many Christian and secular leaders were invited, and it begs the question, Why are secular people speaking about "re-inventing Christianity?"

Perhaps it cannot be determined if all in attendance or invited were in agreement with this event. Roger Oakland reported that most seemed to be receiving all the information positively. Several pulled out and did not show.

Just a few of the participants included Emergent Dan Kimball, Larry King, Gary Smalley, George Barna, Lee Strobel, Kay Warren (wife of Rick), George H.W. Bush, Rupert Murdoch, Henry Cloud, and of course, co-host Erwin McManus. This is a very partial list.

Roger Oakland states, "I hope and pray that Erwin McManus, Robert Schuller, and others will 're-think' the direction in which they are heading. I pray they will start proclaiming the gospel according to the Scriptures. I pray they will begin to warn about the many unbiblical ideas that are driving the unsuspecting toward an apostate church. The potential for Christians to be led astray by a strong delusion as Paul warned in II Thessalonians is not only a real possibility-it is happening now."

The overall view at "Re-Think" was that Christianity as we have known it has run its course and must be replaced or re-invented. We're seeing a paradigm shift. Speakers insisted that Christianity must be re-thought and re-invented if the Name of Jesus Christ is going to survive here on planet earth now that we are in the 21st century. Jesus Christ needs no foot soldiers to keep His Name alive, His message alive, His purpose alive, and the church alive! The pompous nature of this event defies credulity.

New ways of doing church need not replace "that old-time religion." The gospel message has never changed over thousands of years! Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). "Re-think" participants should "re-think" themselves, and those who are believers should just stick to preaching a solid gospel rather than trying to re-invent something God never intended to change to "keep up with the culture."

You can hear Roger Oakland's report on my "Radio Archives" for February 9, hour 1. We have three years of radio programming archived there and we have even tried to make it dial-up friendly. For podcasting information, go to this link. You can also hear Dr. Thomas Ice's outstanding analysis of Kingdom Now/Dominion/Reconstructionist Theology-all grossly false but overtaking many denominations.

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The Twisted World of Oprah and Friends--Feb. 5
--> Posted to Jans_eUpdates for February, 2008

The Twisted World of Oprah and Friends

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.

Marianne Williamson has picked up and run with the "Miracles" course, which was channeled to a woman back in the 1960s. In 1965 Helen Schucman heard an "inner voice" saying, "This is a course in miracles-please take note." For seven years she took spiritual dictation from a demon who said he was "Jesus." "A Course in Miracles" has now become the "New Age" bible.

Here are a few statements from the course:

* There is no sin.

* The journey to the cross should be the last "useless journey."

* Do not make the pathetic error of "clinging to the old rugged cross."

* The Name of "Jesus" is just symbolic of all the gods to which you pray.

* The recognition of God is the recognition of yourself.

* The "atonement" is the final lesson man needs to learn, for it teaches him that, never having sinned, he has no need of salvation.

This should come as no surprise in these latter days as the Bible is clear that some will not give heed to sound doctrine but rather listen to the doctrine of demons (II Tim. 4:3,4).

But the story of Oprah's and Williamson's push for all things unusual and unrighteous does not stop here. Williamson is trying to get a Cabinet level seat as a part of the "Peace Alliance" push by the two women. Check out the Web site on the U.S. Department of Peace.

Think about what the Bible has to say about peace apart from the Prince of Peace. It says it will be a futile effort and even bring destruction (I Thess. 5:3). The Antichrist will play off of peace, but Daniel says "by peace he shall destroy many" (Dan. 8:25). Yet Oprah and friends believe this "Peace Alliance" will usher in an era of global peace founded on "New Age" spirituality. They refer to it as a "civil rights movement of the soul."

We live in strange and deceptive times, so to sharpen your discernment, visit our "Spiritual Deception" category at the Web site. As believers, let us thank God for the real course in miracles. It's called the Bible.

Warren Smith is one of the best expounders on these issues for when he was a "New Ager," he was caught up in such things, particularly "A Course in Miracles." He outlines his story in his book, "From the New Age to Amazing Grace" offered in my print newsletter. Hear my hour with him on "Radio Archives" for February 2, 2008, hour one. Also, hear Bill Koenig's report on his trip to the Mideast with President Bush on "Radio Archives." For podcasting, check this link.

LIVE RADIO THIS WEEKEND: Roger Oakland will report on his time at Robert Schuller's "Re-Think" conference in January. A clue: it is bizarre. Also, Dr. Thomas Ice will help us understand the new false Bible prophecy rage, "Kingdom Now/Dominion Theology." This is the teaching that the church will perfect the world for the Lord's return.

We air in these cities and outlets. You can also "listen live" at the Web site of our home station, AM980 KKMS, Minneapolis/St. Paul. We are on from 9 to 11 AM CST with a complete rebroadcast Sunday, 12 to 2 PM CST.

Awaiting His return,

Jan Markell

You may pass on these items or have people sign up on our Web site. We update "Current Headlines" twice a day and you can access our radio programming from the last three years on "Radio Archives." Also see the Web site for other options to catch the program, "Understanding the Times." Please report e-mail address changes.

Please remember us prayerfully and financially. Donate on our Web site. (Gifts are tax-deductible with receipts sent out monthly.)

Note: Due to volume, we cannot respond to every ministry email but each one is read and appreciated.

Olive Tree Ministries, Inc.
Box 1452
Maple Grove, MN 55311
763-493-3010 or 763-210-8291

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The Cost of Contending - January 30
--> Posted to Jans_eUpdates for January, 2008

The Cost of Contending

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.

What has happened in the last 20 years is like the frog in the kettle. Wolves in sheep's clothing have slowly crept into the church. Bad theology worsened but little by little. Because it didn't happen overnight, many did not notice. Soon, they adjusted to the "new ways of doing church," be it "seeker-sensitive," Emergent, etc.

Church leaders "widened the door." In other words, they furthered the issue with weak preaching and targeting the unsaved rather than feeding true believers eager to grow.

Church members began to speak up but what happened? I have heard of the many who were lectured, asked to leave, called troublemakers and divisive. Unity has become all-important. But how can true believers be united around false or weak preaching and teaching? Solid Christians are being told that they must be tolerant for the sake of unity.

Yes, the Bible told us a day was coming when people would not give heed to sound doctrine (II Timothy 2:3, 4). People would want their ears tickled. New ways of doing church today do just that. But following the biblical example, Paul still told Timothy to "preach the Word," and not "tickle the ears."

I have been following denominational annual meetings for several years and our once-solid denominations now feature some speakers who will lead their members astray. The churches may be intrigued with the Emergent Church or Emergent-friendly speakers, but they are wolves in sheep's clothing who will do harm to the sheep. What is blinding our shepherds? Perhaps too much interest in church growth.

This is one of the battles of the ages, and yet you will likely be told that "tolerance" is a virtue and "contending" is a vice. One of my radio guests this past weekend was told that her church did not observe the Lord's Supper as the blood was offensive to "seekers." One has to ask, are these churches more worried about what man thinks than what God thinks? The answer is yes. As stated earlier, false doctrine is lucrative and telling people what they want to hear is lucrative.

While it may be a tough road, God will always honor a love for the truth and your "contending." To keep silent when such things are going on today is not an option. Eternity may be at stake for some. If you have a passion for the truth and for contending for it, others who are like-minded will come into your life. You are not asked to go on this journey alone. If you do nothing, you are helping the enemy. If you remain silent, you allow the spiritual destruction to continue.

I am asking you to be a part of a solution and not just be a part of discussing the problem. Will you count the cost of contending and go for it? You will some day be held accountable for what you choose to do.

LIVE RADIO THIS WEEKEND: I am joined by Warren Smith discussing the global push for the occultic "A Course in Miracles" and other discernment issues, and by White House correspondent Bill Koenig who accompanied President Bush on his Mideast visit. We air in these cities. For podcasting, check here. All programming is posted to our "Radio Archives" by late Monday. We air live Saturdays, 9 to 11 AM CST with a rebroadcast Sunday, 12 to 2 PM on AM980 KKMS, Minneapolis/St. Paul. You can always listen live at their Web site.

Awaiting His return,

Jan Markell

You may pass on these items or have people sign up on our Web site. We update "Current Headlines" twice a day and you can access our radio programming from the last three years on "Radio Archives." Also see the Web site for other options to catch the program, "Understanding the Times." Please report e-mail address changes.

Please remember us prayerfully and financially. Donate on our Web site. (Gifts are tax-deductible with receipts sent out monthly.)

Note: Due to volume, we cannot respond to every ministry email but each one is read and appreciated.

Olive Tree Ministries, Inc.
Box 1452
Maple Grove, MN 55311
763-493-3010 or 763-210-8291

« Back to Headlines

The Truth War - Jan. 21
--> Posted to Jans_eUpdates for January, 2008

The Truth War

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."

MacArthur concludes, "But Christians ought to be the most willing to live and die for truth. Remember, we know the truth, and the truth has set us free (John 8:32). And if called upon to sacrifice for the truth's sake, we need to be willing and prepared to give our lives."

Yet today many so-called evangelicals are openly questioning whether such a thing as truth exists. Others will say that we can't be sure what it is. Thus some Christian leaders today-many of them highly respected-just refuse to stand for anything because they have decided that even Scripture isn't clear enough to debate about. And yet absolute truth is what the Word of God is all about!

Since the onset of the "seeker" movement, the Emergent Church movement, and postmodern thinking of the last 15 years, the sacrificial lamb has been truth. Again quoting MacArthur, "We cannot sit by and do nothing while worldly, revisionist, and skeptical attitudes about truth are infiltrating the church. We must not embrace such confusion in the name of charity, collegiality, or unity. We have to stand and fight for the truth--and be prepared to die for it--as faithful Christians always have."

He concludes, "Church leaders are obsessed with style and methodology, losing interest in the glory of God, and becoming grossly apathetic about truth and sound doctrine. For the moment, at least, the battle appears to be turning in the enemy's favor."

The truth war is, indeed, a war. Warfare is serious. It requires diligence. It requires paying a price. It will cost you. You may not be popular. And many of today's believers have no taste for conflict and contention. Enemies of the truth are relentless. Casualties abound.

So, will you stand for truth, or go the way of many today--including some evangelical leaders--and opt for compromise?

Since you are called for such a time as this, you are called to stand for truth in today's deceptive world and church. Please report for duty.

RADIO: To learn what "spiritual abuse" is all about, tap into our radio program of January 19 at "Radio Archives." We will be contending for the faith this weekend on live radio. We air out of AM980 KKMS, Saturdays 9 to 11 AM CST with a rebroadcast Sundays, 12 to 2 PM. We air in these cities not all of which are live. For podcasting, check this link. We have three years of programming posted at "Radio Archives." You can "listen live" at www.kkms.com.

Awaiting His return,

Jan Markell

You may pass on these items or have people sign up on our Web site. We update "Current Headlines" twice a day and you can access our radio programming from the last three years on "Radio Archives." Also see the Web site for other options to catch the program, "Understanding the Times." Please report e-mail address changes.

Please remember us prayerfully and financially. Donate on our Web site. (Gifts are tax-deductible with receipts sent out monthly.)

Note: Due to volume, we cannot respond to every ministry email but each one is read and appreciated.

Olive Tree Ministries, Inc.
Box 1452
Maple Grove, MN 55311

763-493-3010, 952-377-1435 or 763-210-8291

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Beating Swords Into Plowshares? - January 7
--> Posted to Jans_eUpdates for January, 2008

Are Swords About to Be Beaten Into Plowshares?

President Bush travels to the Middle East very shortly where he will become the latest U.S. President, going back to the 1940s, to make a major push to achieve peace between Israel and the Palestinians. It is difficult to see how the current situation, which includes a state of near war in Gaza, will cause this trip to succeed where his predecessors failed. But the trip January 8 - 17 will find him negotiating in Israel and five Muslim nations.

Those in favor of the "peace process" between Israelis and Palestinians claim that there is no choice. They ask, "What is the alternative? Perpetual war?" Well, according to the Bible, maybe yes. There is a delusion today that peace is the natural order of things and war a temporary aberration. It says in Jeremiah 8:11, "And they heal the brokenness of the daughter of My people superficially by saying, 'All is well; but there is no peace.'"

Yet the New Testament is clear in the Beatitudes: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God" (Matt. 5:4). The President's itinerary was changed for a visit to the area where this was stated and he will not doubt quote the verse.

As it concerns his trip to Israel, however, we have to keep reminding people and asking, "Do both parties want peace?" Or would one side rather drive Israel into the sea? The truth is the latter.

Few who are realistic here believe the Arabs and Jews are about to beat their swords into plowshares. The Bible indicates this will be an "everlasting hatred" that started with Ishmael and Isaac. The Bible outlines one war after another in the Holy Land and a half-dozen have already played out since Israel's birth in 1948.

In his weekly radio address, the President said he would try to push his campaign for democracy in the Mideast and press on with his goal of a Palestinian state before he leaves office. I wish he could talk to my radio guest this past weekend, Walid Shoebat. One of Shoebat's primary messages, having grown up as a Muslim (now a Christian) in the Middle East has been: Stop offering them (the Arab world) democracy! He says we are ignoring the factor that in the Muslim world democracy was never in existence. Even today, the 55 Muslim nations have never adapted to democracy.

He reminds us that as soon as "democratic elections" in the Arab world are over, they revert to demagoguery. Shoebat says, "These days if democracy is introduced in the Middle East, the majority would elect Islamic fundamental states." And so it was when the Palestinians were offered democratic elections and voted for the world's chief terror group, Hamas. (Hear the program with Walid from January 5 at "Radio Archives." Also, hear a projected view of the economy for 2008 by John Terry.)

But as Bill Koenig says in his weekly Koenig's Eye View from the White House, "Bush and Rice have very little time left. Rice seems to be the most impatient and adamant about an Israeli-Palestinian solution."

There will be 10,000 security agents guarding the President and his entourage. This is unprecedented.

Iran also looms large over the President's trip and is the reason he is visiting Arab nations as well. In spite of the recent National Intelligence Estimate that Iran is less of a threat than some thought, Bush still believes Iran is an "axis of evil" and he is right.

Again quoting Bill Koenig, "Political dynamics can change fast in the Middle East. Unfortunately, the U.S. has made many diplomatic miscalculations in country after country in the Middle East over 60 years. If you don't understand the nature of Islam, you will continue to err."

The Wall Street Journal sums things up well by saying, "Hard as it may be to accept, we have to confront the possibility that the Arab-Israeli conflict may not have a 'solution,' at least not in the foreseeable future, and that trying to create one represents a triumph of hope over experience."

Nonetheless, the President and Secretary Rice need our heartfelt prayers for godly wisdom and safety.

Awaiting His return,

Jan Markell

You may pass on these items or have people sign up on our Web site. We update "Current Headlines" twice a day and you can access our radio programming from the last three years on "Radio Archives." Also see the Web site for other options to catch the program, "Understanding the Times." Please report e-mail address changes.

Please remember us prayerfully and financially. Donate on our Web site. (Gifts are tax-deductible with receipts sent out monthly.)

Note: Due to volume, we cannot respond to every ministry email but each one is read and appreciated.

Olive Tree Ministries, Inc.
Box 1452
Maple Grove, MN 55311
763-493-3010 763-210-8291

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Story of 2007: America Distances God - Jan. 3
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The Story of 2007: America Distances God

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.

Why would a nation of Judeo-Christian principles give one of the highest honors to the Dalai Lama who received the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor in October? He snowed his adoring admirers, most of them the highest of America's leaders, by saying, "There can be no world peace without first obtaining inner peace." Where's the Prince of Peace and did anyone stand up for Him?

In July, a Hindu opened the U.S. Senate with a Hindu prayer. You can hear it here. This same man is opening in prayer at state senates in many places.

The first Muslim imam delivered a prayer for the U.S. House of Representatives, even though he is on record saying, "Take my word--if 6-8 million Muslims unite in America, the country will come to us."

This year saw an unprecedented push to convince Americans that Jews, Christians, and Muslims celebrate similar roots. Interfaith gatherings have taken place so that in unity all may celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, and the Muslim Hajj Festival. Pulpits filled with men who should know better telling us that God and Allah are one and the same.

At the same time, atheists want a pulpit everywhere in America! It's not just Christopher Hitchens and Richard Dawkins. Phillip Pullman's trilogy, The Golden Compass, warranted an expense of $180 million to seduce kids into hating God. The bottom line is that in America, atheism is in. Not since Nietzsche have disbelievers enjoyed such a ready public reception to their godless message--and such royalties.

Snaps Christopher Hitchens who wrote God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything (although not, presumably, the pronouncements of atheists), "Many of the teachings of Christianity are, as well as being incredible and mythical, immoral." In the past 12 months, atheist authors, according to The Wall Street Journal, have created a publishing sensation, selling more than 1 million books worldwide.

And the great "falling away" fell some more (see II Thess. 2:3). While many churches struggle to hold on to the truth, many more caved to methods of doing church that are not biblical. Willow Creek Pastor Bill Hybels repented for his "seeker-sensitive" approach, calling it an utter failure (although the church appears to now be taking an Emergent turn.)

Our own president stated in late 2007 that all religions pray to the same god. This creates confusion and a form of "falling away" again.

And the lead story in U.S. News and World Report in late 2007 was that even Protestants are returning to Rome as Catholicism and the one world religion join forces and gain strength.

The Bible says, The fool has said in his heart, 'There is no God' (Psalm 53:1).

There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death (Prov. 14:12.)

Yet our Lord delays His coming so that even these might be saved.

Visit our "Spiritual Deception" category at the Web site to learn more.

LIVE RADIO THIS WEEKEND: Former PLO terrorist Walid Shoebat joins me with his unique insights into the tide of our times. His newest book is pictured to the left.

Also, John Terry, financial analyst, joins me with insights into the U.S. economy for 2008. He also edits the Web site Revelation Files.

We air in several cities found here. All programming goes up on our "Radio Archives" on Monday. For podcasting information, see this link. We air live Saturdays, 9 to 11 AM CST with a rebroadcast Sunday, 12 to 2 PM on AM980 KKMS, Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN. You can always "listen live" at their site.

Awaiting His return,

Jan Markell

You may pass on these items or have people sign up on our Web site. We update "Current Headlines" twice a day and you can access our radio programming from the last three years on "Radio Archives." Also see the Web site for other options to catch the program, "Understanding the Times." Please report e-mail address changes.

Please remember us prayerfully and financially. Donate on our Web site. (Gifts are tax-deductible with receipts sent out monthly.)

Note: Due to volume, we cannot respond to every ministry email but each one is read and appreciated.

Olive Tree Ministries, Inc.
Box 1452
Maple Grove, MN 55311

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Strong Delusion and Funding Our Enemies--Dec. 17
--> Posted to Jans_eUpdates for December, 2007

STRONG DELUSION AND FUNDING OUR ENEMIES

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."

How many chances do renegade outfits get, I ask?? The PA has received so much money already. They have squandered it and their leaders have stuffed Swiss banks with it. The Palestinians do have a bad economy, but it is not due to the "occupation," or to Israel, but to their leaders' greed, incompetence, failure to end violence, inability to present an attractive investment climate, and an unwillingness to impose stability.

As an article in the Jewish World Review states, "So how does an AP story deal with the unintentional humor of the idea that pouring more money into the PA will lead to any diplomatic progress or that this regime will make better use of the funds? Remember that to a very large extent, the United States and European governments are basing their whole Middle East policy on this mistaken idea.

"The problem was that Arafat and his colleagues decided to launch a long war on Israel. That conflict, which brought absolutely no gain to the Palestinians, destroyed their infrastructure which the world is now supposed to pay for."

Why is the world being asked to finance an outfit whose leaders are corrupt to the core, who will use the money to buy political support, stay on a war footing with Israel, and won't stop channeling the money to stop terrorism? The bottom line is that the aid would in large degree be used to subsidize the Palestinian battle against Israel and destabilize the Middle East.

So according to Blair, the whole world is to pledge aid to this endeavor! I say how about pledging aid to some truly worthy causes such as persecuted Christians around the world or to liberating the suffering souls in Sudan? There are dozens of hot spots on this planet where millions are suffering through no fault of their own. The Palestinians, and particularly their leaders, have caused the predicament they are in through a premeditated plan to wipe out Israel and line their own pockets in the process.

Sadly, as I write this, America has just pledged another $500 million, money down a deep hole.
All of this will cause further Middle East chaos rather than bringing about the elusive peace everyone believes is possible if only the Palestinians could rise in power and prestige and have their own state.

The bottom line is that I find this a strange issue for a "global cause" but then the entire world is deceived that this will bring global peace.
Tony Blair is following in the pattern of Isaiah 5:20: He is calling evil good. While there are many Palestinian families who deserve a far better lifestyle, what needs to be exposed is the fact that their leadership has them in chains and thrives on it.

If the issue of Palestine is not clear to you, visit this link at my Web site and learn more. The link includes visuals as well as articles.

RADIO ARCHIVES: Hear Nonie Darwish, a former Muslim and now a Christian, now posted. She is called by many the bravest woman in the world for her speaking out on Islam. Her current book is Now They Call Me Infidel: Why I Renounced Jihad for America, Israel, and the War on Terror.

Also, Dr. Paul Benware talks about the Judgment Seat of Christ, or as he calls it, "the believer's pay day." We air live out of AM980 KKMS, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Saturday, 9 to 11 AM CST with a rebroadcast Sunday from 12 to 2 PM. To find the cities in which we air, go to this link. For podcasting information go here. You can always "listen live" at the Web site of AM980 KKMS. All weekend programming goes up on our Web site on Monday at "radio archives."

If this e-newsletter has been helpful to you in 2007, would you consider a tax-deductible gift to Olive Tree Ministries at year-end?

Awaiting His return,

Jan Markell

You may pass on these items or have people sign up on our Web site. We update "Current Headlines" twice a day and you can access our radio programming from the last three years on "Radio Archives." Also see the Web site for other options to catch the program, "Understanding the Times." Please report e-mail address changes.

Please remember us prayerfully and financially. Donate on our Web site. (Gifts are tax-deductible with receipts sent out monthly.)

Note: Due to volume, we cannot respond to every ministry email but each one is read and appreciated.

Olive Tree Ministries, Inc.
Box 1452
Maple Grove, MN 55311
763-493-3010 763-210-8291

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Prominent Faith Stories of 2007 - December 5
--> Posted to Jans_eUpdates for December, 2007

PROMINENT "FAITH" STORIES OF 2007

While these stories reflect more diminishing discernmetn 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.

* The rise of the "Religious Left." Making more and more headline news are leaders on the Left including Jim Wallis, Tony Campolo, Brian McLaren (Emergent), Rob Bell (Emergent), Doug Pagitt (Emergent) and many others pushing the social gospel. Global warming, "fasting for peace," human rights, AIDS issues and more now dominate. It is almost as though left-wing politics has replaced issues of real faith such as salvation, repentance, and sin.

* The rise of the postmodern sentiment that we can't really know God other than through mystical practices such as "Christian Yoga," labyrinths, contemplative prayer, etc. There is the belief that these experiential rituals and gimmicks will get people into the presence of God. However, according to the Bible, the "contact" procedures may also be used by the ungodly.

* Unrecognizable "evangelicalism" is fast-becoming "evan-jello-calism." So says John MacArthur associate Phil Johnson who feels "evangelicalism" has lost its meaning. It is still strong enough to elect presidents and for Time magazine to select The 25 Most Influential Evangelicals in America" back in 2005 (though some listed didn't belong there.) But we saw again in 2007 how it is sliding leftward.

* "Evangelicals" are uniting with unbelievers, giving credibility to what they should be denouncing. That will play out even more in 2008 when "evangelicals" participate with unbelievers at Robert Schuller's "Re-Think" conference. Bill Hybels lauded Jimmy Carter in 2007, and Rick Warren and his church gave a standing ovation to Sen. Hillary Clinton. What messages do these events send?

* There has been a greater advance of turning churches into corporations. As author and commentator Roger Oakland says, "Churches, when they become corporations, have to operate like a corporation, not a church. In the world, people in corporations are always looking for position. The only way one can be successful in climbing the corporate ladder is to be loyal to the corporation and the corporate president. Herein lies the problem-when a Christian becomes more loyal to a man than the Son of Man, spirituality can soon turn to carnality. If that is driven by power, position, or possession, often that is the perfect recipe for disaster."

* The rise of the "Emergent Church" has escalated in the last year. I refer to it weekly on my radio program and for good reason. Foundational beliefs are being undermined by the "Emergent Church" as it tries to re-invent Christianity. They will tell you they are just trying to "reach the culture where it is at today," but in reality, their reinventions are entirely anti-biblical.

* Along those lines, we have seen the rise in what John MacArthur calls "grunge Christianity." He says, "You have heard the arguments: We need to take the message out of the bottle and speak the language of the contemporary counterculture. How else will we reach young people? We have to stay in tune with the times." Throw in there the pragmatic philosophy of giving the "unchurched" whatever it takes to make them feel comfortable.

* One of the most heretical theologies to explode recently is called "Kingdom Now/Dominion Theology." This seductive end-time theology has millions now believing we can "make the world perfect and then usher the Lord's return into a perfect environment." Many who once held to eschatological truth now believe this seduction.

* We have witnessed the advance of a "hating God" movement. There is almost a "practicing the absence of God" effort. From The Secret to Pullman's "Golden Compass," a loving God is scorned by atheists run amok. Christopher Hitchins has made his millions writing against God. But our loving God is so patient He delays His coming that they might be saved.

Good things have happened this year as well! As the world faces new daily perils, many are looking for answers and finding hope and faith in Christ, including Muslims. Technology is furthering the gospel around the world. A remnant of believers is committed to the gospel and longs for truth. And every day we can see signs that remind us that He is coming soon!

MEDIA: SKY ANGEL TWO-My DVD, Facing the Fury: The West's War against Jihad and the New Fascism, will air this Friday, December 7, 2 PM EST on channel 9702. Order it on my Web site.

RADIO: Visit "Radio Archives" for last weekend's programming on the slide of once-solid Bible schools and seminaries. Former students report on compromise and false doctrine allowed into places we have always trusted.

Live radio this weekend will include Brannon Howse from Christian Worldview and Dr. Jim Murk on his new book Islam Rising: The Never Ending Jihad Against the Jews and Israel. See my Web site for all listening options including podcasting. We air live, Saturdays, 9 to 11 AM CST on AM980 KKMS, Minneapolis/St. Paul. You can always "listen live" at their Web site. They rebroadcast the full two hours Sunday from 12 to 2 PM and you can also listen on line.

(NOTE: For more issues concerning the spiritual deception of our day, visit this link at my Web site.)

Prayer request: Anita Dittman, subject of my book Trapped in Hitler's Hell,and my DVD, The Holocaust: The Pain and the Praise, has suffered a serious heart attack. Pray for a full recovery as she is still active in ministry sharing her uplifting story.

Awaiting His return,

Jan Markell

You may pass on these items or have people sign up on our Web site. We update "Current Headlines" twice a day and you can access our radio programming from the last three years on "Radio Archives." Also see the Web site for other options to catch the program, "Understanding the Times." Please report e-mail address changes.

Please remember us prayerfully and financially. Donate on our Web site. (Gifts are tax-deductible with receipts sent out monthly.)

Note: Due to volume, we cannot respond to every ministry email but each one is read and appreciated.

Olive Tree Ministries, Inc.
Box 1452
Maple Grove, MN 55311
763-493-3010 763-210-8291

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Annapolis: Having Tea with the Mad Hatter--Nov. 29
--> Posted to Jans_eUpdates for November, 2007

Annapolis: Having Tea with the Mad Hatter

As journalist Michael Freund says, "It has been quite a week for the peacemakers. Watching the carnival unfold at Annapolis this week, I was inspired to reach for Lewis Carroll's classic Alice in Wonderland, where the main character falls down a rabbit-hole into a world far removed from our own, one where the rules of logic and common sense simply do not apply."

Saudi Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal declared that he would not even shake Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's hand, and on Monday, the Saudi embassy in Washington expelled Israeli journalists from its premises for seeking to attend a press conference. The Gulf Arab emirate of Bahrain flatly rejected a proposal to establish diplomatic relations with Israel, while the Palestinians refused even to recognize the country as a Jewish state.

Freund concludes, "If Israel's Arab foes won't shake hands with Israel and won't even recognize Israel as a state then what are the chances that they will truly wish to live in peace with Israel?"

Shouldn't Christians get this class called Geo-Politics 101? Many don't as now 80 so-called evangelical leaders have signed a statement indicating their belief "that the way forward is for the Israelis and Palestinians to negotiate a fair, two-state solution." They are basically putting their blessing on the absurdity of the Annapolis Summit as reported by Christianity Today online.

You folks don't get it: If the accords at Annapolis were put in place, without God's sovereign protection, Israel could be erased from the map.

They state, "We call on all evangelicals, all Christians, and everyone of good will, to join us to work and pray faithfully in the coming months for a just, lasting two-state solution in the Holy Land. We call on all involved governments to work diligently toward this goal. And we covenant to pray for the leaders of all the nations engaged in this effort, hoping for them the blessing of our Lord, who said, 'Blessed are the peacemakers.' "

Some of the signers include representatives of Bethel University, Westmont College, Wheaton College, current and former representatives from the National Association of Evangelicals, Fuller Seminary, Asbury Seminary, Denver Seminary, North Park University, Christianity Today editors, the Evangelical Covenant Church, and a few dozen more. Many individuals signed on including Jim Wallis, Tony Campolo, and Leighton Ford. You can view the entire list here.

By plunging down this rabbit-hole, we have placed ourselves in a land of make-believe, only one where the consequences are likely to be far more painful and real than those in the children's story. America needs to brace up. We are leading the brigade that is "dividing the land" (Joel 3). The consequences may not be pretty in an election year when we are seeking "righteous kings." Do we deserve them?

To better understand these issues, visit the Israel category at our Web site.

I agree with Bible teacher Jack Kelley who says, "I don't know whether anything will come out of this conference or not, but I do know that someday soon some world conference will put Israel into such a compromised position that they'll think peace has finally arrived just at the moment when they're at their most vulnerable. Given Israel's current political weakness, if it's God's timing the Annapolis conference could lead to such a situation. But if it doesn't another one will. Israel has to be transformed from a warrior nation on continual high alert like they are now, into a peaceful and unsuspecting people - all of them living without walls and without gates or bars, as Ezekiel 38:11 predicts they'll become.

"This has to happen before Daniel's 70th week can begin, and while it's a painful thing to watch, we know it has to come in order for Israel to be left with only God as their defender. Then the Russian / Iranian coalition will attack, God will intervene, the whole world will see it, and the 70th Week will begin."

Awaiting His return,

Jan Markell

You may pass on these items or have people sign up on our Web site. We update "Current Headlines" twice a day and you can access our radio programming from the last three years on "Radio Archives." Also see the Web site for other options to catch the program, "Understanding the Times." Please report e-mail address changes.

Please remember us prayerfully and financially. Donate on our Web site. (Gifts are tax-deductible with receipts sent out monthly.)

Note: Due to volume, we cannot respond to every ministry email but each one is read and appreciated.

Olive Tree Ministries, Inc.
Box 1452
Maple Grove, MN 55311
763-493-3010 763-210-8291

« Back to Headlines

The Lynching Date is Set - November 13
--> Posted to Jans_eUpdates for November, 2007

The Lynching Date is Set

So it is settled and the date is November 27. The date of Israel's lynching while all the world cheers. The much-heralded Middle East summit at Annapolis which has stalled a dozen times is now going to happen it would appear.

So, name one concession Israel has made in recent years that has been reciprocated by its sworn enemies. This is not a trick question. There are none.

That's why this month's announced "Middle East Summit" in Annapolis, Md., should be viewed as one more installment payment in the sellout of Israel and of American interests in the Middle East. While the United States continues to struggle to shore up democracy in Iraq, the Bush administration - like administrations before it - proceeds in undermining the likelihood that the region's first democracy will endure.

At every negotiating session, Israel is pressured into making concessions for "peace" and receives more war in response. Mostly this is because of the wishful thinking in the West that has replaced sound policy. Why should the Palestinians make concessions when they are drawing closer to their objective of eradicating Israel by throwing stones and bombs and stonewalling negotiations? Little wonder that one writer calls the event "hopeful insanity."

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has no problems with the agenda. In fact, he set much of the agenda. He proposes that Israel put everything on the table including sovereignty over the Temple Mount, the holiest site in Judaism. "All of the historical questions that overshadow the argument between us and the Palestinians are on the agenda. We will not evade any one of them," Olmert recently explained. Even parts of Jerusalem are up for sale. Judea and Samaria will be shredded.

Does anyone remember all the previous efforts, just a few listed here: Madrid, Oslo I and II, Wye, Tennet, Mitchell, and Saudi "agreements?" As Joseph Farah says, "That's essentially what the 'peace process' is all about: Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."

What a strange time for Israel to roll over in front of her enemies. Iran is threatening to wipe her out. Hezbollah and Syria are arming for her destruction as well. Fatah and Hamas are warring, causing instability, and both continue to rail at the existence of Israel even as Fatah's Abbas plans for Annapolis.

I echo the words of Jim Hutchins who heads the ministry "The Jerusalem Connection." He states, "There is a special judgment of God reserved for those nations who 'divided up my land.' Regardless of the good intentions of the Bush administration in convening the Annapolis summit, our nation stands in peril if we impose any 'land for peace' solutions on Israel, including a division of Jerusalem. Let it not be said that we did nothing. Now is the time for all who love Israel and the covenant promises God has made, to let there voice be heard. 'For Zion's sake we will not keep silent.' " (Isaiah 62)

Take the words of Joel 3:2 seriously, please. There God says, "I will gather all nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. There I will enter into judgment against them concerning my inheritance, my people Israel, for they scattered my people among the nations and divided up my land."

Yet, He who keeps Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps (Ps. 121:4).

LIVE RADIO THIS WEEKEND: White House correspondent Bill Koenig joins me as well as Mike Gendron. All programming is posted to our "Radio Archives" by Monday. You can always "listen live" at the Web site of AM980 KKMS. We air in several cities, listed on our "Radio Show" page. (We are trying to correct connection speed at "archives" today.)

Awaiting His return,

Jan Markell

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The New Evangelicalism--November 6
--> Posted to Jans_eUpdates for November, 2007

THE NEW EVANGELICALISM

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 the 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 a noble cause, yet impossible, 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, Pastor Leith Anderson, who hails from my hometown, Minneapolis, MN. He states 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.

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.

"Radio Archives": I strongly encourage those of you who cannot get our radio programming to tap into this week's "archives" with Roger Oakland and Georges Sada, a Christian leader in Iraq but an insider to Saddam Hussein administration. Roger Oakland also gives a brilliant summary of the dangers of the Emergent Church. See the Web site for the cities in which we air including other options such as podcasting. We air live, Saturdays, 9 to 11 AM CST with a rebroadcast Sunday, 12 Noon to 2 PM on AM980, KKMS, Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN. You can always "listen live" at their Web site.

LIVE RADIO THIS WEEKEND: Jack Kinsella, editor of Omega Letter Intelligence Digest and a write and editor for Hal Lindsey Ministries.

Awaiting His return,

Jan Markell

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