The Middle East and Democracy.

[Rev.Anthony Ray Smith]

“And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.”

Many today are rejoicing over what they consider a democratic move of the people in the middle east, they believe that a democratic government in the muslin nations shall bring about peace in this troubled region. This belief is misguided for even if the people are given the ability to choose their own leaders they are still being led by the spirit of anti-Christ and the hatred of Christian and Jew will continue.

So then what is actually happening in this region?

“And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.”

“Distress of nations, with perplexity.”

To afflict greatly; to harass; to oppress with calamity; to make miserable. Confusion, difficulty or anxiety.

What is happening in this region is a precursor to the rise of the anti-Christ and his war against the Jew and Christian. The anti-Christ shall bring war to the middle east, taking three nations by force and seven but capitulation for a time. This is all spoken of in prophecy and will come about. We must remember that there must be perplexity of nations so the anti-Christ will have a reason to bring about his war of conquest thus justifying his actions.

Many leaders today are in a state of confusion over what reaction should be given to these events. Many state that they are Bible believing Christians but do not consult the Lord or His word for any answers. The Bible clearly states the events that will take place in the end days, giving instructions on what we are to look for and what we should be doing.  In the last two thousand years many great calamities have struck the nations of the world and they have started to escalate in these end days.

There are still the scoffers that even in the days of Jesus, refuse to believe in an almighty Lord, that has control of the seas, the earth and the sky above them. Many are still scoffing at the revelations that have been fulfilled, as being nonsense.

This is one revelation that has been fulfilled and they still ignore this fact, let’s read and understand.                                                             “And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto. For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.”

The Palestinians want all Jews to be removed from Judaea as part of a peace plan, this will not happen for it is stated that the Jews will still be in Judaea. The Muslim nations, even with a democratic agenda will still be just a show of democratic principles, for they will continue to call upon the destruction of Israel and Christianity around the world. We have seen this in the demonstrations, when protesters shouted out kill the Jew, or in the United Nations where Arab nations call upon their people to demonstrate against the United States because of Americas stand for the right of Israel to exist, is this the democratic way?

In this country I am allowed to speak freely about Jesus being the Son of God, but in the new democratic nations being formed in the Middle East, these words that I write and speak would still mean persecution, and even a death sentence. For democracy means that all men are given the right to express their views openly without any retribution.

The Lord speaks of His followers and tells us to be brave and bold in our testimony of the truth, without fear of the hatred that we shall encounter.

“But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.”

Even the Apostil Paul asked for prayer for the boldness to speak the Gospel without fear of the retribution that he knew would come against him.  “And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”

Our boldness to speak the truth comes from fasting and prayer. It comes from our ability to look beyond the needs of the flesh and be more concerned over the needs of the spirit. Our ability to serve God is based upon our ability to believe God. Do we believe that Jesus rose from the dead? Then fear not what a man can do to the body for we are promised that we shall also be raised. Do we believe that the Lord can heal this body as many before us have been healed, then do not fear for we will face many things that are common to man. Do we believe that Israel shall be saved in one day, then fear not the rhetoric that comes from the unbelievers.

We must remember that our ability to speak freely of the saving grace of God threw His Son Jesus comes not from a democratic nation, law or mandate but it comes from the commission from God. We must also remember even though a nation or a people have declared that they are now democratically controlled doesn’t mean that the people are free to speak the truth.

Ars.

Webster, TSK, KJV.

1Jn 4:3   Luke 21:25-26   Luke 21:20-22  1Pe 3:14-16  Eph 6:19-20