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”
The Source of Jim Elliot’s Famous Quote // Holy Plagiarism
Above is a picture of Jim Elliot’s journal entry from 28 October, 1949. These words were penned just a few years before he was killed in Ecuador.
The underlined phrase above is often attributed to Elliot. But he didn’t come up with it on his own. It is likely that the quotation originated from Matthew Henry’s biography of his father, English nonconformist clergyman Philip Henry (1631-1696). Henry said:
“He is no fool who parts with that which he cannot keep, when he is sure to be recompensed with that which he cannot lose.”
I’m sure Henry had no idea the impact that his statement would have centuries later on a young missionary. And I’m sure Elliot had no idea that his journal would have the impact that it continues to have. I’d be willing to bet he never expected anyone would read it besides himself!
Take away points: Read the writings of dead theologians, keep a journal, and live extravagantly for Jesus. We can’t lose!
found in The life of the Rev. Philip Henry, A.M., Matthew Henry, (ed. Sir J. B. Williams, pub. W. Ball, 1839), p. 35.
