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”

A Sneak Peak Look Inside “Unto Death”

I’m excited for my book “Unto Death: Martyrdom, Missions, and the Maturity of the Church” to be released early this summer. As soon as the launch date is settled, we’ll let you know.

Until then, you can track with quotes, updates, and opportunities to score some free books over on the Facebook Page [Click Here]. If you want to help promote the book, “Like” the Page and share it on your Facebook wall.

Below is a sneak peak look inside the book. I’m grateful to Brian Kim (IHOP-KC, Luke 18 Project, ACTSchool) and David Sitton (To Every Tribe) for their contribution.  Read more >>

Five Year Anniversary of the Murder of Turkish Christians in Malatya

[From Voice of the Martyrs] Today is the five-year anniversary of the martyrdom of three very special men. On April 18, 2007, Necati Aydin, Ugur Yuksel and Tilmann Geske were brutally murdered at a Christian publishing house in Malatya, a city in southeastern Turkey. Five young Islamists bound and tortured the two Turkish Christians and one German Christian before killing them at the Zirve Publishing House.

Five suspects, Emre Gunaydin, Salih Guler, Cuma Ozdemir, Hamit Ceker and Abuzer Yildirim, were arrested while trying to leave the crime scene. Their trial, which began on Nov. 22, 2007, has yet to be completed. Prosecutors have tried to show that the murders were related to a sweeping plot to destabilize the Turkish government. Read more >>

Matthew 24:14 Part One // The Prophecy

[ read the introduction to the series here ]

And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. (Matthew 24:14 ESV)

We begin with the assumption that Matthew 24:14 is prophetic. Jesus said that, “the Gospel of the Kingdom will be proclaimed through the whole world as a testimony to all nations.” He did not say, “must be” or “should be.” He said, “will be.” This means that Matthew 24:14 is first and foremost a prophetic decree. The penetration of every people group with the Gospel is an ironclad promise from the lips of the Godman Himself. Jesus said it will happen, and “heaven and earth will pass away” before His words fail (Mt. 24:35).  Read more >>

Follow Jesus and Love Him Well

Part 2 of a series of videos explaining the story and message behind “Unto Death.” Part 3 coming soon . . .

Unto Death Part One // He Has Been Enough

Part one of a 3-part video series explaining the story and message behind my new book “Unto Death”

Young Man, Young Woman: Pour Yourself Out

This makes my soul sing:

Minimizing Comforts for Maximizing Joy from Desiring God on Vimeo.

“It is Emphatically No Sacrifice…It Is a Privilege”

David Livingstone‘s response to a student at Cambridge University, on December 4, 1857 when the word “sacrifice” was used to describe his ministry in Africa:

“Away with the word in such a view, and with such a thought! It is emphatically no sacrifice. Say rather it is a privilege…I never made a sacrifice. I beg to direct your attention to Africa. “

Video of the Vigil That Followed the Murder of Joel Shrum in Yemen

Below is a video of the vigil that followed the murder of Joel Shrum in Yemen a few days ago. If you follow the link back to Youtube and tell Google to translate it you’ll be able to read more about it. Absolutely amazing.

How Should We Respond to the Murder of Missionaries?

This morning I awoke to a text message from a dear brother. He said that one of his friends was shot and killed in the Middle East. Throughout the day I received a number of emails and text messages from close friends relaying the news of their slain comrade.

After the shooting, a host of news agencies around the world reported that Al Qaeda claimed responsibility for the attack in a text message saying: “This operation comes as a response to the campaign of Christian proselytizing that the West has launched against Muslims.” The authenticity of the text has been called into question and removed from a number of articles as the day progressed. The young man may or may not have been a missionary. And the text may or may not have come from Al Qaeda. Major news agencies are disputing both assertions.

As I read the texts and emails that buzzed into my phone throughout the day, I found myself wrestling with God. It boiled down to one monumental question–is it worth it? Is Jesus worth it? Read more >>