Hal Lindsey Report (09-09-11): Fortress Syria

This week on 'The Hal Lindsey Report'

Syria seems to be the last of the nations thrown into upheaval by the "Arab Spring" that is still "in play." The government of Bashar al-Assad, Syria's increasingly isolated strongman, has not yet fallen, but the protests still rage and most of the Western world has turned against him. As the withering attacks and reprisals by Syria's security forces against the opposition continue, the UN, NATO, and the West find it more difficult to explain why they intervened in Libya, yet are turning a blind eye to the atrocities occurring in Syria.

Iran has leapt to Syria's defense, warning the West not to involve itself in Syria's internal affairs. Russia and China have made it known that they will protect Syria against damaging resolutions proposed by the UN's Security Council. Some military and intelligence analysts are worried that Assad may intentionally launch an attack against Israel to force other Arab and Muslim nations to rally around Syria -- and make the West forget their grievances with his regime.

Of course, anyone who is familiar with Bible prophecy knows that would be a mistake of monumental proportions. Isaiah's prophecy concerning Damascus, found in chapter 17 of his book, is yet unfulfilled. So we know it's going to happen. We just don't know when. That's why, when these kinds of circumstances arise and these kinds of threats are evident, those of us who believe what the Bible says sit up and take notice.

This week I'm going to thoroughly review what the Bible predicts about Syria's future.

We know the Syrians already have long-range missiles armed with both chemical and biological warheads aimed directly at Israel. And soon, they may have nuclear warheads, as well. So, as my mother used to say, what does this information have to do with the price of tea in China? Just this: the ancient Hebrew prophet Isaiah predicted that in the last days the Syrian capital of Damascus would be utterly annihilated -- overnight. Considering the fact that Damascus is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world, and has never been destroyed, that means that Isaiah's prophecy is yet to be fulfilled. And considering the fact that only now -- with the use of nuclear weapons -- is it possible to utterly eradicate such a massive city overnight, I'd think twice before buying property in Damascus. Add to that the fact that we know Syria wants to destroy Israel and is apparently taking steps to prepare for that opportunity, I would also say that Syria (with Iran's urging) will someday get cocky -- or maybe desperate -- and force Israel to retaliate. Here's how Isaiah predicted it would happen, "And behold at eveningtide trouble; and before the morning he is not."

Once that happens, I'd say the world is on the fast track to Armageddon. But what about all the other Arab nations and the Persian-Russian confederacy? This week, I'm also going to share my perspective on how all of that may unfold, including some thoughts on the events described in Psalm 83.

But don't worry, I'm not going to leave you hanging. I'm also going to discuss with you the believers' "unfailing hope." As I see it, there are four elements to our hope for the future, but the imminent prospect of Christ's return is a cornerstone of that hope.

If you're not prepared for the sudden return of Jesus Christ for His bride or if you know someone who isn't, please tune in this week. I'm going to share with you precisely how you can get ready.

Don't miss this week's Report on TBN, Daystar, Inspiration, CPM Network, various local stations, www.hallindsey.com or www.hischannel.com. Check your local listings.

God Bless,

Hal Lindsey
mail: HLMM, P.O. Box 470470, Tulsa, OK 74147
email: comments@hallindsey.com
web: http://www.hallindsey.com

© 2011 Hal Lindsey Media Ministries

Prisoner Alert Update: Pastor Youcef

Youcef Still Needs Prayers
Voice of the Martyrs, July 29, 2011

Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani remains in prison awaiting re-examination of his case. This is likely to take place sometime in September. Until then, it is critical that we continue to pray for him. Our contacts report that he is standing firm and strong in his faith, and is even encouraging those who are discouraged, exhorting them to trust in the Lord.

http://www.prisoneralert.com/pprofiles/vp_prisoner_214_profile.html

© 2011 The Voice of the Martyrs
http://www.persecution.com/

Prisoner Alert Update: Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani

VOM's contacts are reporting a new development in the case of Youcef Nadarkhani. His lawyer has finally received the written ruling from the (Iranian) Supreme Court. According to one source, the Supreme Court has agreed with the death sentence verdict. However, the court "pointed out procedural flaws and is asking the lower court to re-examine the case."

The judges would like clarification as to whether Youcef was truly a Muslim prior to becoming a Christian. If Youcef is determined to have been a "true" Muslim, and he does not recant his Christian faith, the death sentence will stand.

There is no guarantee Youcef will not be executed before the court re-examines the case.

Youcef’s lawyer was also sentenced on Sunday to nine years in jail and a 10-year ban on practicing law or teaching at university for "actions and propaganda against the Islamic regime."

Please continue to pray.

http://www.prisoneralert.com/pprofiles/vp_prisoner_214_profile.html

© 2011 The Voice of the Martyrs
http://www.persecution.com/

Hal Lindsey Report (july 8, 2011): Let's Be Friends, Dangerous Liaisons, It Gets Crazy...and Crazier!, P.A. Concession? & 50,000 Missiles

This week on 'The Hal Lindsey Report'

We all knew it was coming. When the US Administration joined the call for Hosni Mubarak's ouster last winter, everyone who warned about the rise of the Muslim Brotherhood was told that it was so weak and small that its influence on the Egyptian political landscape would be inconsequential. Both the President and the Secretary of State scoffed at the idea that the Brotherhood was anything to worry about.

Remember all those "shovel ready" projects the President promised to fund with his stimulus package? Later, he admitted that there really wasn't any such thing as a "shovel ready" project. But the money was already spent. Well, as Yogi Berra once said, "it's deja vu all over again."

Last week, the Secretary of State tacitly acknowledged that the Muslim Brotherhood is, indeed, a force to be reckoned with. In fact, the Brotherhood is the only organization she specifically named when she invited "all "[Egyptian] parties that are peaceful, and committed to non-violence... to talk with us." This Administration backtracks so much the "moonwalk" should be its official dance.

Of course, the Secretary's invitation to the Muslim Brotherhood makes the President's friend and mentor, George Soros, happy. He's a supporter of Mohamed ElBaradei, the former recalcitrant head of the International Atomic Energy Agency. ElBaradei sits on the boards of several Soros foundations and organizations. He also seems to have the Brotherhood's backing in his run for the presidency of Egypt. And Soros and the Muslim Brotherhood share similar views of America, the Great Satan, and Israel, the Little Satan -- both of which must be destroyed for their world visions to be realized.

Iran has announced that it is normalizing relations with Egypt. The late Egyptian President Anwar Sadat broke off diplomatic relations with Iran when the Iranian students occupied the US embassy in Tehran. He also welcomed the deposed Shah of Iran to exile in Egypt. The acts of supporting the United States during that crisis, befriending the Shah, and signing a peace treaty with Israel were more than the Muslim Brotherhood could bear, so they arranged Sadat's assassination in 1981.

Unfortunately for the Brotherhood, Mubarak survived and succeeded Sadat. He outlawed the Brotherhood and refused to restore relations with Iran. Finally, after 30 years and the help of the United States, the Muslim Brotherhood has gotten its revenge. Both Sadat and Mubarak are gone, Iran is a friend again, and Egypt is well on its way to becoming a theocracy like Iran. By the way, another American President helped Iranian Muslims achieve their goals back in 1979. That hasn't turned out too good for the world, either.

What's up with the United Nations? Just when you think those buffoons over on the East River can't get any wackier, they get wackier! You'll never believe the choices they've made to fill some of the more important offices in the UN's pantheon of organizations. Well, maybe YOU'LL believe it because if you're reading this e-mail, chances are you're a bit more informed and skeptical than the average American. But trust me, it's hard for me to discuss this story with a straight face!

Here's something else you may have a hard time believing. This week, the Palestinian Authority announced that it is willing to make a concession! Mark this date because it may be a historical first. I can't seem to remember the PA ever making a concession. The only concessions I can recall are Israeli ones.

Apparently, the PA is willing to suspend its efforts to coerce the United Nations into recognizing it as an independent nation. Wow, that's a relief. Just think of all the nasty sovereignty issues that will be avoided. There is, however, one minor condition. All the Palestinians want is for Israel to withdraw from the territories captured in 1967 (and later) and return control of east Jerusalem to them. Once that has been done, then the Israeli-Palestinian peace talks can begin in earnest.

That's a little like a prize fight that begins with one boxer face down on the mat and the referee halfway to ten in his count.

So, to put this into perspective, the Quartet is trying to bring Hamas and Fatah together into one, giant, globally-dependent terrorist state dedicated to eradicating Israel. And then, in total defiance of all logic and history, having granted them independent statehood, the UN hopes that they will suddenly and inexplicably change natures, abandon terror, and create a peaceful, industrious and prosperous society living side by side with Israel.

That's pure madness, but it's exactly the madness the prophets predicted for the final days before the return of Christ for His church.

The Israeli military has issued a report that says that Hezbollah now has more than 50,000 missiles for use in its coming attack on Israel. Scattered and hidden throughout Lebanon, the arsenal is larger than that of many nations. This represents an unbelievable threat to the Jewish nation.

So what has America decided to do upon learning about this threat that looms over our Middle East ally? The logical thing of course. (Well, logical for the Obama Administration.) The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has placed Israel on a special watch list of 36 nations that have "a tendency to promote, produce, or protect terrorist organizations or their members." That means that visitors from these countries, including Israel, will be subjected to "special treatment" by US authorities. If detained by Immigration and Customs personnel, they will undergo a special security screening called a "Third Agency check."

To be fair, DHS explains that Israel is on that list because Muslim terror groups like Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and others are located inside the nation's boundaries. On the surface, that may seem logical. In reality, though, Israel has suffered more than anyone else because of those terrorist organizations and the thousands of terror attacks perpetrated by these groups. And now, Israelis are suffering again because of them.

As things wind down and the prophetic scenario for the final days of this Age comes into sharper relief, it's good to know there is a way of escape. Jesus Christ provided it through His atoning sacrifice on the Cross. All we have to do is accept the gift of free pardon His death and resurrection provided. Do it today.

Don't miss this week's Report on TBN, Daystar, Inspiration (on Sundays now!), CPM Network, various local stations, www.hallindsey.com or www.hischannel.com. Check your local listings.

God Bless,
Hal Lindsey

mail: HLMM, P.O. Box 470470, Tulsa, OK 74147
email: comments@hallindsey.com
web: http://www.hallindsey.com

© 2011 Hal Lindsey Media Ministries

Thanks to OmniChristianVids3 on YouTube for uploading the video.

Update: Pastor Youcef

UPDATE: Death Sentence Conditionally Annulled

On Sunday, July 3, 2011, Iran's Supreme Court overturned the death sentence that a lower court had imposed on Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani.

“The Supreme Court has annulled the death sentence and sent the case back to the court in Rasht, asking the accused to repent,” said Youcef’s attorney, Mohammad Ali Dadkhah.

The court’s decision lifts Nadarkhani’s death sentence under the condition that he “repent” (recant) his Christian faith. It is unclear whether the death sentence will be re-imposed if he refuses to recant.

Also on Sunday, Nadarkhani’s attorney was sentenced to nine years in prison and has been banned for 10 years from practicing law or teaching at university because of his "actions and propaganda against the Islamic regime.”

http://www.prisoneralert.com/pprofiles/vp_prisoner_214_profile.html

© 2011 The Voice of the Martyrs
http://www.persecution.com