The Mounting Controversy of Zion
There are three primary reasons why I consistently emphasize what Isaiah called “the controversy of Zion” (34:8 KJV) and oppose the idea that it is a peripheral and insignificant issue:
1. Jerusalem has been a point of intense contention and controversy throughout history
2. Jerusalem is a point of mounting contention and controversy in our generation
3. Jerusalem will be the greatest point of contention and controversy in the generation of the Lord’s return (Zech. 12:2-3, 9; 14:13; Mt. 24:15-31; 2 Thess. 2:1-10; etc)
Most Christians in the West are ignorant, apathetic, or indifferent towards the issue of Jerusalem because of rampant Biblical illiteracy, false teaching about Israel, and rabid cultural isolation. Without a global perspective infused with Biblical conviction they believe the world revolves around them and are oblivious to what’s happening on the other side of the globe.
The video above serves to burst our bubble of cultural isolationism and confirm what the Bible says about the “controversy of Zion” that is said to mount and culminate at the end of the age.
It was shot in Cairo and released Monday by Egypt’s Al-Nas TV. You’ll hear Muslim preacher Safwat Higazi telling thousands of Muslim Brotherhood supporters at a soccer stadium, “We can see how the dream of the Islamic caliphate is being realized, God willing, by Dr. Mohamed Mursi” (the movement’s presidential candidate), as Mursi and other Brotherhood officials nod in agreement.
“The capital of the caliphate – the capital of the United States of the Arabs – will be Jerusalem,” Higazi said, before leading the crowd in chants of “Millions of martyrs march toward Jerusalem.” Mursi responded, “Yes, Jerusalem is our goal. We shall pray in Jerusalem, or die as martyrs on its threshold.”
If you write this off as fringe and irrelevant you’re no different than those who were indifferent towards the preaching of Hitler in the 1930′s. It is in our face. It’s clear. And it’s bold.
For more resources about these issues check out http://thecontroversyofzion.com as well as my book “The Controversy of Zion and the Time of Jacob’s Trouble”
Epic Video – “Muslims attack Pastor with Acid: The Umar Mulinde Story”
From my friend Ron Cantor (@roncan1) at MaozIsrael.org:
“On Christmas Eve 2011, two Muslim terrorists threw acid in the face of Ugandan Pastor Umar Mulinde. This video shares his amazing story of coming to faith, reaching other Muslims and how he ended up in Israel to receive medical treatment. Maoz Israel and our partners are paying for his hotel and meals, while he receives outpatient medical treatment in Tel Aviv. If you would like to help this dear man of God, you can go to www.MaozIsrael.org/Mulinde to make a contribution. Please pray for Pastor Umar, that he will know the next step for him and his family in their journey with Yeshua.”
An ex-Muslim from Africa being treated for wounds by Messianic Jews in Israel. Simply amazing.
The Future of Israel – Where is All This Heading?
With the UN Assembly in New York City this week and the vote for the Palestinian Statehood on Friday in view I gave this message to our community in Tauranga to give an introduction and overview of the situation by addressing 3 questions: (1) What’s Happening? (2) What’s Going to Happen? (3) How Should We Respond?
A New Project – Check it Out
With the release of “The Controversy of Zion and the Time of Jacob’s Trouble” and the mounting contention over the Land of Israel, the Jewish people, and the city of Jerusalem I’ve decided to begin blogging over at http://thecontroversyofzion.com with the hopes of stirring up discussion and awareness about the urgency of what is soon to unfold.
2011 is a significant year with respect to the Middle East. We stand at a critical juncture. Next week discussions about the future of the Palestinians, the city of Jerusalem, and the State of Israel will once again thrust “the controversy of Zion” (Is. 34:8; Zech. 12:3, 9) into the center stage of international politics. And whatever the immediate outcome is, we can be sure: turbulent days are ahead.
Thus it’s imperative that we have an educated understanding of what is taking place in the coming months and years. I aim to post 1-5 times daily with news reports from various sources as well as theological resources from myself and others.
A good way to track with us is to “Like” the Facebook Page where all the updates are posted. Bookmark the new blog and pass it on to your friends and family.
A Message from Maskilim Publishing
[an email blast from our Publishing company about new resources]
Greetings from Maskilim Publishing,
Recently we’re been working on thecontroversyofzion.com site now that the book has been released. There have been a number of additions that we thought you would enjoy.
First, we have added the “Buy the Book” page where we will continue to add links to different stores in different countries where you can purchase Dalton’s book. As different formats and translations become available in different nations we will add links as soon as we get them.
Second, we have added a blog where Dalton will be posting articles, teachings, news, and more pertaining to Israel and the end-times. Blogs will be posted around 3-5 times a week.
We hope the site is a blessing to you.
Affectionately,
Maskilim Publishing
Tauranga, New Zealand
A Significant Update About a Significant Opportunity
As most of you know, my book “The Controversy of Zion and the Time of Jacob’s Trouble” was released this week. We’re so excited to see how the Lord is going to use it in the coming months and years.
As the English translation is trickling into different distribution streams in different nations over the next few weeks we’re now turning our attention to the task of translating the book into other languages and printing and distributing it in as many nations as possible.
In the last week or two the Lord has been opening up doors into a number of nations through some quality people who want to make it available to their mission field.
It appears that the first two translations will be a simple and a complex version that will be made available in mainland China. This is extremely significant.
There are a number of passages that indicate that when the conflict of the “time of Jacob’s trouble” begins with the invasion of Judea and the decimation of Jerusalem, the Asian Church will have a critical and decisive role to play both in the Land and in the nations.
Having been forged themselves in the fire of affliction and persecution, Asian believers will selflessly lay down their lives from Beijing to Jerusalem in a compassionate effort to minister to traumatized Jews in flight as the State is invaded and trodden down. They will give a bold, sacrificial, and unwavering witness to the Gospel among hostile nations that will be caught up in a demonic frenzy to wipe Abraham’s seed from the face of the earth. But this will require the Asian church to be prepared for what is to come.
Though most won’t be able to tell just by reading the book, this is one of the principal reasons I wrote it. The Asian church was constantly on my mind as we labored to get this project to print. So the fact that the first translation of the book will be for the Chinese church means a lot to me.
Both the translators and myself wish to give the book to China (and other nations in the future) free of charge. We aim to fund the printing and distribution through the sales of the book in the West and the generosity of mission-minded believers who have the resources and the desire to sow them. More on this in the future.
One of the best ways you can help us now is by getting the word out about the book in your circles. The more we sell the more we are able to give.
If you would like to help, post the link to the website and the video below on whatever social media you use. If you’re a pastor, would you consider playing the video to your congregation? If you have the means, buy a few copies of the book and give them to your friends and family.
As well, feel free to circulate this article in any way you see fit.
In the Beloved,
Dalton
Earthquakes and the End of the Age – Why We’re at the Beginning of the Beginning
As everyone is well aware this year has seen quite a bit of seismic activity globally. Some people argue that it’s a sign of the times and that we’re approaching the close of this Age. They look to Jesus’ statement in Matthew 24:4-8 embracing the idea that the “birth pains” and the “beginning of sorrows” before the time of the “end of the Age and [Jesus'] return” (24:3) include “earthquakes in various places.” They anticipate a crescendo of sorts whereby devastating seismic activity will progressively increase in frequency and intensity. I am among them.
Others reject this “ridiculous apocalyptic thinking” saying that earthquakes have always been a consistent historical reality (a valid point). As a result they scoff at those who see these things as signs of Jesus’ soon return arguing that nowhere in the Bible are there prophecies of increasing seismic activity but only “earthquakes in various places;” as there have always been. They deny the crescendo effect. And they deny the legitimacy of the category of “signs of the times” (not valid points).
From a scientific standpoint, the recent earthquakes aren’t startling. The USGS says: “Although it may seem that we are having more earthquakes, earthquakes of magnitude 7.0 or greater have remained fairly constant throughout this century and, according to our records, have actually seemed to decrease in recent years.” [1] While this isn’t a unanimous sentiment, it surely does reflect the majority of the scientific community who openly mock the idea of the return of Jesus (let alone earthquakes as signs of the times).
From a misguided theological standpoint, earthquakes won’t be intensifying, nor are they a sign of the times. Gary DeMar writes: “Jesus simply says that “in various places there will be famines and earthquakes” (24:7). He says nothing about an increase in their number. Luke writes, “there will be great earthquakes” (Luke 21:11). Jesus was describing signs that led up to the destruction of the temple that would take place before that first-century generation passed away (Matt. 24:33-34). Like famines (Acts 11:28), “great earthquakes” are part of the biblical historical record.” [2] DeMar is a vigorous proponent of what is called Preterism; the idea that Matthew 24, 2 Thessalonians 2, the book of Revelation, and all of the eschatological prophecies in the Bible refer not to the end of THE Age, but to the end the JEWISH Age in AD 70 when Rome sacked Jerusalem. For these poor souls the “end has already come.” Unfortunately this nonsensical position has gained considerable support in the last few decades as theological heavyweights such as R.C. Sproul, NT Wright, Sam Storms, and others (like emergent leaders Rob Bell and Brian MacLaren) have given well thought out and articulate outlines of what they believe to be an undeniable doctrinal reality.
In light of this contention that because earthquakes have always been constant they will not increase before the return of the Lord I wanted to make mention of a few Biblical realities that warrant our attention.
THE PROMINENCE OF EARTHQUAKES IN ESCHATOLOGICAL PROPHECY
While Jesus Read more >>
The Full Length Trailer for My Book
I’m stoked to announce the release of the Full Length Trailer for my book “The Controversy of Zion and the Time of Jacob’s Trouble: The Final Suffering and Salvation of the Jewish People.”
If you’d like to help stir up awareness about these critical issues and help us promote the book we’d be delighted if you’d repost it.
A big “Thank You” to the talented Nathan Buchanan for creating such a beautiful video.
* If you’re receiving this blog by email, click on the link to watch the video.
My Predictions for the Next Five Years – Key Trends and Events that We Should be Aware Of
I’ve received numerous emails from people around the world asking what I foresee unfolding in the next few years in light of some of the significant trends and events so far in 2011. Below is a short response.
There are three ‘areas of development’ included here that I think we’ll see in the next 5 years. I’ve followed each projection with a brief outline of what our response should be.
The first has no scriptural foundation. It doesn’t mean it’s not legitimate. But it is conjecture. And you should know that. The second is a mix of prophetic intuition and Biblical exegesis. This will be teased out in subsequent posts. And the third is entirely Biblical with no subjective reasoning involved.
FIRST, the obvious. The United States (and it’s far reaching implications globally).
Today marks Read more >>
