Peace on Earth

The lyrical song, "Stop that there is peace on Earth and let it begin with me," sounds like a Christian but is not biblical. The desire for world peace has been a human desire, since the human race was separated from God in the fall in the garden of Eden when Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit. Biblically speaking, peace on earth can not be caused by man or woman. It begins when Jesus returns to the Earth as predicted in many Scriptures from the Bible. Only Jesus can restore that mankind lost in the fall. Fortunately, through the grace of God present they can take steps to alleviate human suffering. It has always been and will always be procurers, the world leaders who don't want to have peace in the world and no amount of political skill will bring it.

While fundamental Christians and many others are praying for peace and trying to live peacefully with all men, need to understand that world peace will not come until Jesus comes back and reigns on this Earth during the Millennium. In fact, many Christians are skeptical of secular programs proposed to do in world peace. Peace will not come from the efforts of the United Nations or the Republican party or the Democratic Party or the libertarian or even the women's Missionary Society. No amount of human effort will be able to do so.

There will be moments of peace moments here and there in different parts of the world and in different countries. But this is not a comprehensive peace. Before the Millennium will have what looks like world peace. But attentive. That little bit of calm will be what is described in the book of Daniel 8: 25 "... and he [the Antichrist]... for peace will destroy many." This period of peace will take place during the great tribulation. But it won't last long.

Colonial America, Patrick Henry presented some important truths in his big speech. "It is vain, sir, to extenuate the matter." Gentlemen may cry, peace, peace - but there is no peace. Why we stand here idle? What is wishing gentlemen? What would he? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to buy at the price of chains and slavery? Prohibit, Almighty God! I know that not what course others may take; "but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!" Patrick Henry was saying that he did not want peace with England if there was no freedom. If he were here, he might say that this talk of world peace is a trap and not what you are looking for; world peace sounds so good and so Christian.

There are many secular theories waiting to bring world peace. The theory of democracy, says will lead to world peace. But democracy requires a majority. What with the minority that doesn't want to than most of what gives? And there is the Communist theory that says world revolution will lead to peace in the Communist world. A revolution does not sound like world peace, appears to promote the war. Also, the Communist definition of world peace is "we are in control". This is not peace, which is the control, domination of the world. The theory of Cobdenism believes that free trade will result in world peace. The theory of mutually assured destruction (M.A.D.) believed that if each one is fully armed with nuclear weapons, no one attacks another country knowing that it will mean their own immediate destruction. Some believe that the theory of globalization will bring world peace. Others believe in isolationism; that the Nations should focus only on Internal Affairs to prevent wars. And some believe in peace self-organized. It is where human cooperation in international projects that will bring the human race for world peace.

There are many religious theories waiting to bring peace on Earth. Buddhism believes that people need to establish peace in their minds and leave the negative emotions. If so, then do you have so many Buddhist monks set on fire? Liberal Christians believe that a Christian goodwill demonstration will bring in the Kingdom of Christ, as they believe the Covenant theology advocates. Islam believes peace world will come when the Prophet returns and all humanity realizes that descended from a common couple, Adam and Eve. Orthodox Jews believe that world peace will come when the Messiah arrives. Conservative Christianity believe that because man is naturally corrupt and does not have the ability to live in peace to world peace does not come until Jesus returns and beat his enemies at the battle of Armageddon and rules the land with an iron rod.

Jesus said that the Nations against Nations and kingdoms against kingdoms will increase, but there will be no peace until he returns. So about the only thing we can do is try to get along. But it won't be easy to do because someone will always want to get the upper hand and the lower hand is not like.

Mel Jackson is a writer and former broadcaster, circus promoter, social worker and resides in Florida. He is the author of the book, "Runaway", about a young man of the longing for the love of his father. For more information click here http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004THZ4OW

Where Is 'Peace' on Earth?

It's in the news everyday. There is the uprising of nuclear threats from Iran to destroy not only God's people in Israel, but America as well. Up until recently, 911 in fact, we viewed this kind of stuff from the comfort of our hown homes and would passively thank God that it wasn't us. But, it is us and unless we start taking a stand on the reality that our country is under a threat of turning into an Islamic nation, we will be left wondering how it happened. There is a conspiracy going on right under noses...can't you smell it?

A woman named Nonie Darwish is an Egyptian born Christian who immigrated to the U.S to escape Islam. She has recently had a book published called "Now They Call Me Infidel". She says that Americans must understand that radical Islam wants to impose its repressive Sharia law on the U.S. by the middle of this century. By 2050 she claims that Muslim teachers on the East coast of the United States will impose this law on America. We are not just being threatened by terrorism, but also by the conquering culture of radical Islam. One of the major threats is organizations such as the Council of American Islamic Relations. She claims they use American free speech laws to squelch criticism of Islam. This is certainly true. Instead of being afraid of offending anyone we should be screaming and asking how can they demand equality while the home they came from gives no respect to any other religion? Can't you detect the conspiracy of hypocrisy? Unless we fully start paying attention and stop snoozing, we will be left only with the consequences to pay for, mainly our freedom!

Not only this but the threat of dividing Israel is a major threat to us as well. It blows my mind that President Bush who I thought was a Christian man seems to be leaning on the counsel of men and not God. Last week the Annapolis Peace Summit was held in Annapolis, Maryland. It is the conspiracy to divide Jerusalem. President Bush is agreeing to divide Jerusalme before the end of his term in 2008. It is his belief that the Palestinian cause is the root of Islamic hatred for Americans. One reason he most likely is agreeing to this is because he has advisors telling him that it will affect his legacy in the most positive way. We'll see.

Since 2003, phase 1 of this "Final Status Plan" was to disarm terrorist organizations, but this failed. Phase 2 of this plan was to dismantle all terror organizations and their infrastructure. HAMAS, Islamic Jihad, al-Aksa Martyrs Brigade to name a few would have been forced to turn over all illegal weapons and stop terror incitement. This was not implemented either. Just the opposite happened. HAMAS took over Gaza; Abba's own terror organization, Fatah and al-Aksa Martyrs Bridgade continue to kill Jews.

If this division takes place, Israel will be a living hell. God's chosen people will be forced to live next door to a state controlled by Islamic fanatics such as HAMAS. All I can say at this point, may God have mercy on all those responsible.

As news-worthy as all this is, it's not new. Yes, I believe that God is in control and I also believe that we are living in a time where each one of us is under a yoke of God's judgement or the yoke of His grace. I know how God handles those who are against Him. Who's side are you on?

The 83rd Psalm was a national lament which includes prayer concerning Israel's enemies. The writer of this Psalm was Asaph who divides this Psalm into three parts. 1. A plea for help (vs.1) 2. A protest against Israel's enemies (vs.2-8) and 3. A petition for God's divine judgement (vs.9-18). Asaph implored God to confound His enemies as he had prayed so many times before. Asaph speaks of hostile nations against God as His enemies. These terrorists are God's enemies, not just ours.

"O God, do not remain quiet; do not be silent and, O God, do not be still. For behold, Your enemies make an uproar, and those who hate You have exalted themselves." Psalm 83:1,2

It's obvious that the Islam religion is pushing their beliefs down our throats because it is the only religion and the best one at that. This is exalting themselves in a gross fashion.

"They make shrewd plans against Your people, and conspire against Your treasured ones. They have said, 'Come, and let us wipe them out as a nation, that the name of Israel be remembered no more.' For they have conspired together with one mind; against You they make a covenant." Psalm 83:3-6

This lines up exactly as it's reported today. I already mentioned the shrewd plans of slowly turning America into an Islamic nation. The attempt to divide Jerusalem is a valid plan to wipe God's people off the face of the earth. The Koran may not tell them, but God's Word makes it no secret that Isreal and His precious people will outlive everything else on earth. It's also no secret that everything concerning God or Christmas are being abolished from this country. America which was once known as the land of the free, one nation under God is disappearing. In fact, at one time we even said, "God bless America". How will you feel when one day your children and grandchilren will pay homage to Allah? This is what we are facing unless we get back to our Christian roots, our heritage. It's something worth fighting for, don't you think?

Like Asaph, perhaps we should pray the same way as he continued this lament.

"O my God, make them like the whirling dust, like chaff before the wind. Like fire that burns the forest and like a flame that sets the mountains on fire, so persue them with Your tempest and terrify them with Your storm, fill their faces with dishonor, that they may seek Your name, O Lord. Let them be ashamed and dismayed forever and let them be humiliated and perish, that they may know that You alone, whose name is the Lord, are the most High over all the earth." Psalm 83:13-18

Asaph makes it no secret how he wants God to repay these wicked people. But also take notice how he also prays that they may come to know God. We are commanded to pray for our enemies. Remember, God is no respector of people, He wants the same thing for everyone...salvation through Jesus Christ. Can you pray with me for these people?

"Dear Heavenly Father, we humbly come before You to honor Your holy name. Lord, we ask for Your mercy on this great nation and those who are leading us. Please give a spirit of integrity to President Bush and may he follow Your godly counsel and not that of man. Lord, please help him make the right decisions concerning Israel and this country as well. Open the eyes of those who are still blind to your truth. Also give them ears to hear Your truth. This we ask in Jesus' precious name. Amen."

No matter what happens in the end, those of us whom God as called will never be in bondage. Christ has already set us free.

True freedon is found in serving Christ!

All Scripture taken from The New American Standard Bible.

Vivian Gordon writes inspirational and spiritual articles in which to help strengthen the Believer's walk in Christ. They are often taken from today's point of view and used in conjunction with what God says about certain situations and how we are to handle them. There is always an answer for every problem. These articles are not all about asking God "why?" but in finding the answers.

Supporting Christian Communication Online http://www.churchwebsitedesign.org.uk A Christian based organization that seeks to encourage clergy and church leaders to identify the potential in developing an online church community. This project provides support and advise on ways that the internet can enhance the work of your church and also provides the tools to meet your needs.

Let There Be Peace on Earth - Let it Begin with the Two Largest Religious Groups

The purpose of this article is emphasizing the positive rather than the negative. The hope is that after reading it, we would all come away feeling that we would like to be our brother's keeper.

Islam Believes:

There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.
If anyone harms another, God will harm him; and if anyone shows hostility to others, God will show hostility to him.

If one focuses on the actions of a few militant Muslims, one would never arrive at this conclusion. Considering the facts below could go a long way to assist each and every one of us to arrive at a more balanced conclusion:

Estimates of the total number of Muslims range from 0.7 to 1.8 billion worldwide including 1.1 to 7 million in the U.S. The present estimates indicate that 33% of all people follow Christianity while 23% follow Islam. With the rapid growth of Islam, it is estimated that it will out-grow Christianity by the mid-21st century if the present trend continues. We have to differentiate between Radical and Moderate Islam. The vast majority of people belong to Moderate Islam. Christians should make an effort to get to know the people from Moderate Islam better and encourage and assist them to take a stand against their Radical brethren. Islam phobia or hatred of Muslims is not the answer. We cannot assume that all Muslims are extreme, violent, fundamentalist terrorists who are out to hurt us.

Christians and non-Christians seem to regard Christianity and Judaism as having a positive influence on society. Most would agree that this is so. It does not mean that we should view other religious groups with suspicion and treat them with hostility.

Take a stand when hate crimes against mosques and individual Muslims are committed. As members of the human race, won't it be great if we all believed in the inherent worth of every person. People are worthy of respect, support and caring simply because they are human. Obtain a balanced understanding of positive and negative contributions of religion, including religious sources that inspired Gandhi and Mother Teresa who committed their lives to unselfishly serve humanity.

Religious beliefs have contributed to hatred, violence, unjustified discrimination and suffering as well as mass murders and genocide. These were committed in many countries including Nazi Germany, Kosovo, Northern Ireland and the Middle East.

Promoting Love and Peace is something that we could all aspire to do. Perhaps the followers of Christianity and Islam would like to get together to ponder this. It could be the start of a great movement.

We could all subscribe to this movement in small ways. Reach out to our Muslim brothers and sisters. We could start with tiny steps such as a smile, an invitation to coffee, pleasant conversation on a bus or train, small gestures like that. Then allow it to develop in its own way.

If we all believe that we are one in all and all in one, then we would reach out to everyone regardless of religion, race, nationality or sexual preference. The purpose of our existence is not to judge. It is to reach out, to touch and to love each and every one of our brothers and sisters in this Universe.

Let this be our motto. Let us be all inclusive and not leave out any individual, race or nationality. Let us resolve to make this World a Better Place starting now.

In the interest of full disclosure, let me say that I am a Roman Catholic and I have no prejudice against any human being because of race, color, nationality, religion or for any other reason for that matter.

It is my hope and prayer that I shall leave this earth a better place than I found it. The intent of this article is not to write about Christians and Muslims. This is about the human race. It is about being our brother's keeper.

I wish you all Pure Love and Pure Light.

Sheila Baumann,
President - Lighthouse Mind Body Soul Ltd.
URL: http://MindBodySoulandLight.com
Email: MindBodySoul13@gmail.com