The Reality of Hell
by: Darrell G. Young
Focus on Jerusalem Prophecy Ministry

   The belief in a literal Hell is totally out of vogue in today’s modern world, both philosophically and theologically. Recently, Pope Francis suggested that there is no such place as Hell. Also, a careful review of many Modern Bible translations reveal that the word Hell has been all but expunged, in favor of a more modest Purgatory type of holding place for the departed dead. We no longer hear the old fashioned “Hell fire” sermons either! Whatever happened to Hell? Is it a real place or not? This is after-all a very serious matter! Its more than just life and death; "its eternal life and eternal death"!

   Well, Jesus talked a lot about Hell during his brief ministry on this Earth. He was quite adamant and descriptive of the reality of that place too! But by far the most convincing detail, for me at least, of the evidence of a literal fire and burning brimstone torment place called Sheol / Hades / Hell is the following:

“If there really is no such place as Hell, then the Almighty & all-knowing God really bungled it when he sent his only begotten Son to this world to die a horrible an ignominious death to save people from perishing in Hell; if there was no such place as Hell to be saved from!” 

   As for me, I think that God knew best, when he sent Jesus on his first mission to this world! Therefore, I have chosen to bank on the Biblical fact that there is a Hell to be shunned, and also (thank God) a Heaven to be gained!

How can a Loving God Send anyone to Hell? 
by: Darrell G. Young
Focus On Jerusalem Prophecy Ministry

   How can a Loving God Send anyone to Hell? We hear this challenging question to God's very nature all the time. But in reality, this very question in and of itself is a subtle trick question, designed to challenge God's very nature and authority.

   A better question appropriately asked would be as follows, “If God is LOVE, then why do some people go to hell? Our modern pop culture defines a “loving God” as a completely non-confrontational being who tolerates anything we want to do. But that is not the biblical reality about God as revealed in the Bible. Logic would suggest that, If God is love, then He cannot be at the same time unloving.
The first fallacy in this question is, “Is the idea of allowing people to go to hell an unloving act on God’s part.” If we humans decide that God is wrong to allow unrepentant sinners to pay their penalty for sin, then we claim that we are more loving than God is.

  The 2nd fallacy presented by this trick question concerns the word “Send,” which denotes an action only on  the part of the sender. This understanding of the word send cannot be applied because God has given human beings freedom to make their own life choices. We all have a choice and each makes his own life decisions.

   The way this question is worded implies that, if anyone goes to hell, it is the result of God’s unilateral action alone, & the person being sent to hell is just a passive victim, with no options!
But God has given us options! It is called Grace! God gave us the freedom to choose how we respond to Him. To give us no option but obedience would be a violation of our free will. God loves everyone, but he will never force anyone to love him back. True Love is only love when it is totally voluntary, and freely returned. Therefore, we cannot love God unless we have the option of not loving Him. 

   God is not some bloodthirsty evil tyrant seeking to Send as many people as he possibly can to Hell. In fact, God loves us so much he has done everything in the world he can possibly do to prevent anyone from ever going to Hell. He became one of us, and paid the ultimate price of Love, by allowing evil to crucify him on a Cross in the greatest act of Love ever demonstrated in this world! And he did it, so that nobody need ever be SENT to Hell. 

   So, why would a Loving God Send anybody to Hell? The truth is; He doesn't; those who go to Hell reject his Love and Seal their own destination to that awful place!

The Seriousness of Syria (Part 1)

Today President Trump tweeted: "Russia vows to shoot down any and all missiles fired at Syria. Get ready Russia, because they will be coming, nice and new and “smart!” You shouldn’t be partners with a Gas Killing Animal who kills his people and enjoins it!"
President Trump further stated that the relations between Russia and the United States are the worst they have been since the "mutually assured destruction" days of the Cold War.
On that point, the President is exactly right. But how did the worlds two superpowers reach this boiling point? After avoiding direct military confrontation for decades during the Cold War; how did Syria become the geopolitical breaking point for the world?
As soon as the Syrian civil war suddenly began eight years ago, I immediately knew our world had entered a new "Last Days of Bible Prophecy" phase. Syria is a lynch-pin of accelerating events that will have serious implications for the count
down to Armageddon.
Damascus carries an Old Testament Burden! That ancient Bible prophecy of a "burden" is best described as an ominous curse, or impending weight of Judgement. That "cup of a curse" will cause all the nations of the world to be entangled in a Divine Trap over the "Controversy" over another old city, Jerusalem!

Isaiah 17:1 The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap.

Jeremiah 49:24-25 Damascus is waxed feeble, and turneth herself to flee, and fear hath seized on her: anguish and sorrows have taken her, as a woman in travail. 25 How is the city of praise not left, the city of my joy!

The Seriousness of Syria (Part 2)

(Opening from Part 1) Damascus carries an Old Testament Burden! That ancient Bible prophecy of a "burden" is best described as an ominous curse, or impending weight of Judgment. That "cup of a maddening curse" will cause all the nations of the world to be entangled in a Divine Trap over the "Controversy" over another old city….. Jerusalem!

Bible prophecy carries within its context many symbols. A “CUP” is one such symbol. Old Testament prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah and Zechariah, in particular emphasize the perpetual Divine message involving the city of Jerusalem, and all nations that oppose and obstruct Gods providence for that city. God has chosen Jerusalem as a stumbling stone to his enemies!

Isaiah 34:8 For it is the “Day of the Lord's vengeance”, and the year of recompences for the “controversy of Zion.”

Jeremiah 25:15-16 For thus saith the Lord God of Israel unto me; Take the wine cup of this fury at my hand, and cause all the nations, to whom I send thee, to drink it. 16 And they shall drink, and be moved, and be mad, because of the sword that I will send among them.

The “Day of the Lord” in the Bible is always a reference to that climactic era in world history known more commonly as the Great Tribulation, or the time of Jacob’s Trouble. Of course, Jacob is a reference to the nation of Israel.
The “fury” and the “cup” symbols denote the built up indignation of the Lord, concerning his “chosen nation” and more specifically the city wherein God has mandated that should become the throne of Jesus Christ, Zion, or Jerusalem.

The word "sword” usually is a symbol of war and trial. However, in the panoramic view of latter days prophecy, the Sword, not only entails wars and rumors of wars, it also has linkages to the demonic inflammation of religious inspired terrorism! This Sword has the effect of making the nations mad; or becoming demonically manipulated into the swirling Controversy of Jerusalem! (i.e. Islamic terrorism aimed at wiping Israel off the map)

This week, Iran threatened harsh retaliation after Israel allegedly bombed an Iranian-held air base in central Syria. Then, on Wednesday, Israeli officials returned the favor, stating that if Iran made any foolish moves then everything it has gained in Syria over the past decade would go up in a puff of smoke.
Senior Israeli defense officials informed Syrian dictator and Iran-ally Bashar Assad that he himself will disappear from the map and the world if the Iranians try to harm Israel or its interests from Syrian territory." (Perhaps you well remember the battle mantra of the Islamic theocracy of Iran, “we will wipe Israel off the map!)

In 700 BC, Isaiah wrote of the demise of Damascus. Today, 2,700 years later, many believe that we are close to seeing that long-standing prophecy fulfilled. However chaotic the events on the world stage appear, we know that all things are working toward the fulfillment of God’s Word.

Damascus, the capital of Syria, has a longstanding reputation for being the oldest continuously occupied city in the world. It has never been without citizens or totally destroyed. Thus Isaiah’s ancient prophecy still stands as future; so there is coming a day when Damascus will be nothing but a “heap of ruins,” perhaps by nuclear means!

The current war in Syria could indeed be one of the events leading up to the Syrian capital’s destruction; and after that; the geopolitical thrust for a structured Global Government that can effectively control the threat of another nuclear holocaust!

The following narrative from the prophet Jeremiah portrays the actual climax to the Great Tribulation, which narrative also matches John’s Apocalyptic scenario of Revelation chapters 14 and 16.

Jeremiah 25:27-30 Therefore thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel; Drink ye, and be drunken, and spue, and fall, and rise no more, because of the sword which I will send among you. 28 And it shall be, if they refuse to take the cup at thine hand to drink, then shalt thou say unto them, Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Ye shall certainly drink. 29 For, lo, I begin to bring evil on the city which is called by my name, and should ye be utterly unpunished? Ye shall not be unpunished: for I will call for a sword upon all the inhabitants of the earth, saith the Lord of hosts. 30 Therefore prophesy thou against them all these words, and say unto them, The Lord shall roar from on high, and utter his voice from his holy habitation; he shall mightily roar upon his habitation; he shall give a shout, as they that tread the grapes, against all the inhabitants of the earth. 31 A noise shall come even to the ends of the earth; for "the Lord hath a controversy with the nations," he will plead with all flesh; he will give them that are wicked to the sword, saith the Lord. 32 Thus saith the Lord of hosts, Behold, evil shall go forth from nation to nation, and a great whirlwind shall be raised up from the coasts of the earth. 33 And the slain of the Lord shall be at that day from one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth: they shall not be lamented, neither gathered, nor buried; they shall be dung upon the ground.

But that is jumping ahead (at least 7 years minimum) of the current situation in Syria!

The Seriousness of Syria (part 2)
Darrell G Young
Focus on Jerusalem

The Seriousness of Syria (part 3)

Darrell G Young
Focus on Jerusalem Prophecy Ministry

All eyes are on Syria these days, and dramatically so since the missile attacks ordered by President Trump on April 13. These attacks have been met by the usual protests from Russia and Iran. At the UN’s Security Council meeting, (April 14) Russia lambasted the US for its so-called intrusion against the sovereignty of Syria. Yet, there seems to be no diplomatic lament about the intrusion of Iran into both Syria and Lebanon.

As one Israeli foreign minister commented, “it is Iran’s presence in Syria” that is destabilizing the regional security. Added to that diplomatic analysis, is the charges now by both Israel and the United States that it is Russia that is “enabling” Iran to facilitate hegemony in Syria, and all for the sole intent of fostering terrorism and threats of annihilation against a nearby sovereign nation. Israel.

Not surprisingly, to those with a Biblical Worldview of the Last Days, this geopolitical development of Russia being an enabler of Iran squares with Bible Prophecy. The fact that Damascus is in the “eye of this storm” is all the more evidence that the world is moving at a rapid pace to a cosmic showdown over the “Controversy over Jerusalem.”

The following narrative from OT prophet Ezekiel conveys the perspective that the last days superpower to the utmost north of Israel, Magog or Russia (allied with Turkey and others) will act as a “Guard” to the “prince of Persia” in order to “enable” them to launch their long planned offensive to “wipe Israel off the map.”

Ezekiel 38:1-8 And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, 2 Son of man, set thy face against Gog, the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him, 3 And say, Thus saith the Lord God; Behold I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal: 4 And I will turn thee back, and put hooks into thy jaws, and I will bring thee forth, and all thine army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed with all sorts of armor, even a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords: 5 Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya with them; all of them with shield and helmet: 6 Gomer, and all his bands; the house of Togarmah of the north quarters, and all his bands: and many people with thee. 7 Be thou prepared, and prepare for thyself, thou, and all thy company that are assembled unto thee, and be thou a guard unto them. 8 After many days thou shalt be visited: in the latter years thou shalt come into the land that is brought back from the sword, and is gathered out of many people, against the mountains of Israel,

Russia has long employed Syria as a client state, even reaching back to the days of the Soviet Union. Syria holds significant strategic importance to Russia for several reasons. Perhaps foremost among those reasons is Russia’s ambitions to supplant the US as the major powerbroker in the Middle East, and in effect, hopefully the whole world. Russia and Iran are on common footing in that regard. But, Iran desires the diminishment of the US in the Middle East so as to hasten the day that they can annihilate Israel for the glory of Allah!

Iran has longstanding defensive alliances with Syria, and along with other anti-Israel factions built a regional superstructure of terrorist networks based primarily in Damascus! This alliance found its nexus effectuated by the Islamic Revolution of 1979. Iran founded the Hezbollah terror organization to destabilize and control Lebanon, for the design of fortressing a presence on Israel’s northern border. With Syria in tow, coupled with numerous Palestinian terror networks, Iran conveniently utilized these logistical bases for continuous covert operations against Israel.

But then, something changed! Iran got an unexpected gift; from the United States, of all places!

The Seriousness of Syria…..Part 3

Part Four…………..Coming Soon!

The Seriousness of Syria (Part 4)

Darrell G Young
Focus on Jerusalem Prophecy Ministry

Believe it or not, Iran, or Persia had actually been an ally of the United States prior to the Islamic Revolution of 1979 and was in fact a major oil supplier to the Allied powers during World War II.

But 3 major changes occurred that reversed the fortunes and fates of the whole region. First, was the rise of Islamic fundamentalism with the 1979 fall of the Iranian Shah. Succeeding to that, Iran founded the Hezbollah terror organization to destabilize and control Lebanon, for the design of fortressing a presence on Israel’s northern border.

Second, the emergence of the Iran-Iraq war of the 1980’s. During that long and devastating war, the US followed a foreign policy toward Iran of “dual containment.” The American hope under the Reagen Administration was to contain the spread of the threat of Islamic Jihad from Iran. That policy would backfire decades later in the two Persian Gulf wars with Iraq.

Thirdly, the American withdrawal in 2011 from Iraq under the Obama Administration, created a power vacuum in Iraq that was ultimately swallowed up by Iran. These policy fiascos have uniquely served only the interests of Iran, and fueled the great Islamic schism between Iran and Saudi Arabia, a major US ally.

These 3 developments in the great “Middle East Maze” resulted in the opportunity for Russia to become emboldened enough to forge alliances with Iran, and become an “enabler” or “guard” (as prophesied by Ezekiel) (Be thou prepared, and prepare for thyself, thou, and all thy company that are assembled unto thee, and be thou a guard unto them) for Iranian schemes that are ultimately aimed at wiping Israel off the political map!

Iran’s genocidal regime demands Israel’s destruction and supports terrorist organizations Hezbollah in the north and Hamas in the south. Today, a further Iranian entrenchment in Syria constitutes a grave and unacceptable threat to the Jewish state’s national security.

Like Iran, Russia’s presence in Syria is driven by imperial ambitions. Moscow’s main interest in Syria is to maintain its naval military base in the Syrian port Tartus; and to act as a counter to American prominence in the region. Tartus and Latakia in Syria represent the Russian Navy’s only bases in the Mediterranean Sea. (Hint: these bases also provide Russia logistical means of an air assault against Israel)

With Iranian dominance in Iraq, a logistical military superstructure established in Syria, and a proxy terror army already deployed in Lebanon, Iran has its long dreamed of land-bridge all the way across the 1000 miles from Teheran to Jerusalem!

Iran is now preparing for a sustained campaign of direct confrontation with Israel, with plans to use the Iranian military’s presence in Syria and Lebanon, and from Gaza-Sinai-Hamas on the south to launch attacks on targets inside the Jewish state.

So, how serious is the situation in Syria? It is very explosive! It is literally a ticking time-bomb sitting on Israel’s doorstep! None of these prophetic elements were possible prior to 1979 and 2011.

What can we now expect? When might this tinderbox ignite? Where will it all ultimately lead? These questions will all be addressed in Parts 5 and 6.
…………….Coming Soon!

   The Centurion's Conviction

   The Roman Centurion, who supervised the Crucifixion of Jesus was a professional killer. He had executed thousands of people during his career as a Roman military commander. He was an expert torturer, and a blood-letter of notorious acclaim. Historians, such as Josephus and Tacitus give his name as Longimangus.

   Yet, after witnessing the events surrounding the execution of Jesus, (darkness, earthquake, etc.) he finally concluded in his heart, "Truly, this man was the Son of God."

•

   He had unwittingly participated in a conspiracy to crucify the literal Son of God. Now, upon reflection, he realized it was too late to undo the deed. He must have thought, "we have actually killed the Son of God, and now there is nothing we can do. Ironically, the Roman Centurion may have not understood what we as Christians know. Jesus epitaph isn't simply that he "WAS" the Son of God." He still "IS" the "SON of GOD."

   While the Roman Centurion and his elite Security detail sat "OUTSIDE" guarding the tomb of Jesus 2000 years ago, making sure nobody stole Jesus body; little did they realize that the real grave robber was already "INSIDE" the tomb! (Oh, death, where is thy sting; grave where is your victory?)

He is not there! He is risen!

Are you ready? VIdeo of the rapture of the church.

Modern Marriage in America: Same Sex, So What?

                                                                         

    President Obama is calling for an end to therapies aimed at “repairing” gay, lesbian and transgender youth. His decision on the issue is the latest example of his continuing embrace of gay rights.
    In a statement that was posted Wednesday evening on the White House website, Mr. Obama condemned the practice, sometimes called “conversion” or “reparative” therapy, which is supported by some socially conservative organizations and religious doctors, and the charge of Jesus Christ to his followers.
   What's next President Obama, a law criminalizing the "Great Commission," of taking the gospel to the whole world. (Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.)
   President Obama has firmly positioned himself on an anti-Bible foundation relative to gay marriage, and now he insists upon Churches ceasing to testify to "sinners of this reprobate behavior". His view is that GLBT people are normal, and therefore have no need of therapy, and certainly no need of conversion or repentance.

     In the wake of the Indiana donnybrook over religious liberty, which somehow was transformed overnight into a question of gay rights, it couldn’t be long before the New York Times weighed in against Christians. Either Christians fully embrace the gay lifestyle, or you will be coerced into doing so.
    Op-ed writer Frank Bruni, a gay activist, has written that Christians who hold on to “ossified,” biblically-based beliefs regarding sexual morality have no place at America’s table and are deserving of no particular regard.  In one fell swoop, Bruni casts all believing Christians as “bigots,” saying that Christians’ negative moral assessment of homosexual relations is “a choice” that “prioritizes scattered passages of ancient texts over all that has been learned since, as if time had stood still, as if the advances of science and knowledge meant nothing.”  In other words, if you still cling to your benighted views and your “ancient texts,” you are living in the past and your views merit no respect.

    Bruni’s solution to the impasse is not some sort of goodwill compromise or a treaty of mutual respect, but a take-no-prisoners ultimatum to Christians to abandon their beliefs or else. When Bruni says that Christians’ understanding of sexual morality is “a choice,” what he means is that there is a way out without completely losing face: just embrace the new morality preached by mainstream liberal churches that see nothing wrong with any sexual arrangement you are comfortable with. Then we will accept you.
     Bruni takes it upon himself to explain how the Bible can be interpreted to read that God is really fine with sodomy and that all that antiquated stuff against adultery, fornication, and “men lying with other men” is a quaint vestige of an archaic worldview that went out definitively with Freud.  The scary part about Bruni’s essay is not his awkward attempt at playing the biblical scholar, but the undertone of evident disdain for Christians and his proposal that those who resist should be forcibly reeducated.

    In Christians’ refusal to bend with the times, Bruni sees not faithfulness to God but willful obstinacy that must be broken. “So our nations debate about religious freedom should include a conversation about freeing religions and religious people from prejudices that they shouldn’t cling to.  But what if Christians don’t want to change?” What if they are convinced that the modern worldview is not necessarily the most enlightened path when it comes to the ultimate meaning of life and death, time and eternity?  “Religion,” writes Bruni, “is going to be the final holdout and most stubborn refuge for homophobia. It will give license to discrimination.”  And thus it must be stamped out. Bruni cites fellow gay activist Mitchell Gold, founder of the advocacy group Faith in America, as saying that church leaders must be made to take homosexuality off the sin list. “Obama’s suggestion does that.

    So then, as Obama suggests, government should be dictating belief to churches and enforcing theological orthodoxy? Now politicians and courts will be telling Christians what they are allowed to consider as sinful? Isn’t this what America was founded to escape from?  (aka, Alabama, Indiana, etc)
    People are already talking about forcing churches to perform same-sex weddings, whether they like it or not, or get out of the marriage business. Christians founded America and yet now the minority gay lobby is trying to tell them they are personae non gratae and their beliefs are no longer welcome.
     Sincere Christians have no problem accepting other people with all their sins, inclinations, and struggles, fully understanding that they are in no way superior to the next guy and no better in God’s eyes.  But attempts to force them to abandon their ethical Biblical standards and principles amounts to demonic invasion into the church.

"What does the Bible say about gay marriage / same sex marriage?"

    While the Bible does address homosexuality, it does not explicitly mention gay marriage/same-sex marriage. It is clear, however, that the Bible condemns homosexuality as an immoral and unnatural sin. Leviticus 18:22 identifies homosexual sex as an abomination, a detestable sin. Romans 1:26-27 declares homosexual desires and actions to be shameful, unnatural, lustful, and indecent. I Corinthians 6:9 states that homosexuals are unrighteous and will not inherit the kingdom of God. Since both homosexual desires and actions are condemned in the Bible, it is clear that homosexuals “marrying” is not God’s will, and would be, in fact, sinful. How could God call some human behavior a sin, if that human is born homosexual, as the proponents of same-sex marriage advocate? This argument of the GLBT lobby basically calls God a liar.

    Whenever the Bible mentions marriage, it is between a male and a female. The first mention of marriage, Genesis 2:24, describes it as a man leaving his parents and being united to his wife. 1 Corinthians 7:2-16 and Ephesians 5:23-33, clearly identifies marriage as being between a man and a woman. Biblically speaking, marriage is the lifetime union of a man and a woman, primarily for the purpose of building a family and providing a stable environment for that family.

    The Bible alone, however, does not have to be used to demonstrate this understanding of marriage. The biblical viewpoint of marriage has been the universal understanding of marriage in every human civilization in world history. History argues against gay marriage. Even secular psychology recognizes that men and women are psychologically and emotionally designed to complement one another. In regard to the family, psychologists contend that a union between a man and woman in which both spouses serve as good gender role models is the best environment in which to raise well-adjusted children. In nature/physicality, clearly, men and women were designed to “fit” together sexually. With the “natural” purpose of sexual intercourse being procreation, clearly only a sexual relationship between a man and a woman can fulfill this purpose. Nature argues against gay marriage.

    So, if the Bible, history, psychology, and nature all argue for marriage being between a man and a woman—why is there such a controversy today? Why are those who are opposed to gay marriage/same-sex marriage labeled as hateful, intolerant bigots, no matter how respectfully the opposition is presented? Why is the gay rights movement so aggressively pushing for gay marriage/same-sex marriage? Part of the answer lies in the Gay mentality of endlessly searching for REPSECT, which is by the very harmony of nature denied to them! History also records that homosexuals have endured much slander and condemnation. They have been subjected to hateful words and demeaning terms. (queer, fag, etc) Most all of that has been heaped upon them because the nature of man is to castigate that which is for obvious reasons, not normal. But alas, there comes the effort of modern progressives to indoctrinate the nature of men to adjust to a new accepted order, or to accept what God calls a sinful lifestyle as orderly.

      The answer, according to the Bible, is that everyone inherently knows that homosexuality is immoral and unnatural, and the only way to suppress this inherent knowledge is by normalizing homosexuality and attacking any and all opposition to it. The best way to normalize homosexuality is by placing gay marriage/same-sex marriage on an equal plane with traditional opposite-gender marriage. Romans 1:18-32 illustrates this. The truth is known because God has made it plain. The truth is rejected and replaced with a lie. (Romans 11) The lie is then promoted and the truth suppressed and attacked. The vehemence and anger expressed by many in the gay rights movement to any who oppose them is, in fact, an indication that they know their position is indefensible. Trying to overcome a weak position by raising your voice is the oldest trick in the debating book. There is perhaps no more accurate description of the modern gay rights agenda than Romans 1:31, “they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless.”

    To give sanction to gay marriage/same-sex marriage would be to give approval to the homosexual lifestyle, which the Bible clearly and consistently condemns as sinful.  According to the Bible, marriage is ordained by God to be between a man and a woman (Genesis 2:21-24; Matthew 19:4-6). Gay marriage/same-sex marriage is a perversion of the institution of marriage and an offense to the God who created marriage.

                                                         Can a person be born gay?
     20 years ago, The Advocate, a gay and lesbian magazine, asked readers what they believed the potential impact would be to the advancement of gay and lesbian rights if a scientific discovery proves a biological basis for homosexuality. About 61 percent of the magazine’s readers asserted that such scientific research would advance the cause of gays and lesbians and lead to more positive attitudes toward homosexuality. For example, if one can be born gay, much as one can be born with brown eyes, then a fair society could not possibly condemn him as being unnatural or immoral. To that end, gay activists and the liberal media have actively encouraged the idea that homosexuality is inherited and unchangeable, and researchers have diligently sought scientific evidence to back up that claim. Unfortunately for the pro-homosexuality movement, the research on this subject has failed to establish any scientific evidence that shows a purely genetic basis for homosexuality.
     The controversy began with the work of Simon LeVay, MD. In 1991, LeVay tested the brains of 41 cadavers and noted differences between homosexual versus heterosexual males. The hypothalamus, an area believed to regulate sexual activity, was smaller in homosexual males than in heterosexuals. Dr. LeVay believed the differences proved a biological basis for homosexuality, but he failed to consider a variety of reasons, other than genetic, that the brains were different. First, all 19 of the homosexual cadavers had died of AIDS, a disease known to affect the neurological system. It could be that the disease had shrunk the hypothalamus. Second, scientists who study brain biochemistry know that the way a person thinks affects the way his brain functions; specifically, it affects the neurochemicals released in the brain and the way certain pathways grow and change. Could the structural brain differences have started with the difference in thoughts between homosexuals and heterosexuals, rather than with genetics? Third, there is no proof linking hypothalamus size with homosexuality, either as a cause or effect.

    There are many researchers who cite environmental factors as major contributors to homosexual feelings. They strongly believe that negative early childhood experiences in an unloving or non-supportive home environment are a critical part of this process. Common elements seem to include an emotionally withdrawn or physically absent father and an overbearing, fawning or over-protective mother. In many cases, there are reports of physical, sexual or emotional abuse. Disruption of gender identification may contribute to the development toward homosexuality. This process begins between ages two and four. During this phase, children move from their primary connection with the mother to seek out deeper attachments with the parent of the same gender. For males, the relationship between a boy and his father is the primary means of developing a secure gender identity. As a father and son share time together, the father expresses his value and interest in the son and gives to the son a sense of masculinity. The boy begins to develop a sense of his own gender by understanding himself in relation to his father. Conversely, a mother who is distant, abusive, or physically absent or a mother who is viewed by her daughter as being weak (such as when the mother is abused by males) may disrupt her daughter’s identification with being feminine.

    Peer attachments with same-sex friends also play a role in developing gender identity. Eventually, after years of interaction and bonding with same-sex peers, children enter puberty and begin to pay attention to the opposite sex. When this natural process is disrupted, it feels natural for a child to love and crave the attention of those of the same sex. When children with certain temperaments initially perceive rejection of the same-sex parent, they detach and bond with the other parent. They begin to adopt the patterns and attributes of the opposite sex. However, there is always a longing for a connection with the same-sex parent, love and affirmation from the same gender. These children believe that they were born that way, having craved love and attachment with the same-sex parents for as long as they can remember. Homosexual behavior thus begins as an emotional craving, not a sexual craving. It reflects a legitimate need for non-sexual love, an emotional need that ultimately becomes sexualized with the onset of puberty. Most researchers have concluded that sexual orientation is a complex, multifactorial issue in which biological, social and psychological factors combine to play a role in the ultimate sexual orientation of an individual.


    But what’s missing from these equations are the existence of a soul, the choice of the individual, and the temptation of the devil (see James 1:14). Also missing in these humanistic considerations is the concept of sin, and that the heart of mind is desperately wicked, and given over to evil thoughts. In truth, apart from the grace and guidance of almighty God, man (society) by reason of his "fallen nature" will gradually be entangled by the devil into ever descending levels of depravity and sin. Therefore, mankind needs "spiritual therapy," which only God can provide. With God's spiritual therapy, man can become a new creature, or a new man, through the redeeming power of Jesus Christ!

    Although it may be desired psychologically, for a homosexual to believe that homosexuality is inborn, the accumulated scientific evidence suggests otherwise. Homosexuals may have a genetic predisposition, but human choice is still a factor. A predisposition is not a constraint. Ultimately, sexual orientation is determined outside of the womb. For those who are unhappy living a homosexual lifestyle, this truth offers hope for change. Clinical experience has shown that, with help, some homosexuals can change learned responses and defense mechanisms to early painful experiences.

    In 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, the sin of homosexuality is listed right next to theft.  Just as there is no genetic excuse for stealing, there is no genetic excuse for homosexuality. Environment, culture, and choice make one a thief, and the same factors make one a homosexual.   Effeminate mentioned here is the Greek word “Catamite” which means  homosexual, or men having anal sex! A catamite in ancient Greece was usually a young boy who was bonded to serve as a sex slave to an older man, or what modern society calls pedophilia.


                                  "What is real conversion/reparative therapy, and is it biblical?"

    Conversion therapy, (which Obama opposes) also known as reparative therapy, is a blanket term used to describe various methods to “cure” people of homosexuality. In the past century, various psychiatrists, Christian and non-Christian, have proposed techniques for “converting” a homosexual into a heterosexual. In recent years, the psychiatric community has begun to strongly oppose conversion therapy, declaring it to be psychologically and emotionally harmful. Even some Christian groups that formerly advocated Bible-focused methods of conversion/reparative therapy have abandoned the efforts. Is conversion therapy biblical?

    Well, the Bible in 1st Corinthians clearly identifies some of the new Christian converts as having previously been involved in this type of sinful lifestyle.  (I Cor 6:11  And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.) So, the Bible does require conversion therapy, but the therapy in view in the Bible is simple confessing of sins, and turning an about face to those sins, and relying upon the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth. Only when we are new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17) can our sin natures be defeated. Only when we truly experience conversion to Christ can any true reparative process begin (Romans 12:1–2).

    There are literally thousands of individuals who have achieved lasting victory over homosexual tendencies and temptations through their faith in Jesus Christ. Far more important than testimonials is the biblical teaching that sin can be overcome. To say that faith in Jesus Christ, a commitment to obeying God’s Word, and a reliance on the power of the Holy Spirit cannot produce victory over sin is an affront to the love and power of God.

Focus on Jerusalem Prophecy Ministry
Darrell G. Young
April 18, 2015

   

Iran (Godfather of Terror) Does Not Have to Recognize Israel’s Right to Exist
April 11, 2015

    As part of his engagement negotiations with Iran, and in order to strike a proverbial mirage of a nuclear treaty, US President Barack Obama rejected Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's suggestion that Iran accept Israel's right to exist as part of any emerging nuclear deal. Further, the president labeled the request by Netanyahu, as a "misjudgment, and an obstruction." President Obama further chastised the Israeli leader for wanting to be informed of the long drawn out proceedings.
    Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu had called for a "clear and unambiguous Iranian recognition of Israel's right to exist" as part of any final deal with the Islamic Republic. "The survival of Israel is non-negotiable," Netanyahu said in response to the framework agreement the president called a "once in a lifetime" opportunity. "Even as Prewsident Obama was wrapping the ribbon on his latest gift to an enemy, Iran said that 'the destruction of Israel was non-negotiable.' And on top of that, Iran is accelerating the arming of its terror proxies, Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in the Gaza Strip to attack Israel.
    President Obama’s deal would internationally legitimize Iran's nuclear program, bolster Iran's economy (if sanctions are indeed diminished) and encourage Iran's continued aggression and terror throughout the Middle East and beyond. Notwithstanding, Iran, unlike Israel, was a signer of the nuclear non-proliferation treaty of 1968. Yet, Mr. Obama said asking Iran to recognize Israel is tantamount to saying, "we won't sign a deal unless the nature of the Iranian regime completely transforms." Obama said that in view of the historic time of negotiations for repairing US-Iranian relations, such requirements would be offensive to the Iranians. Therefore, in his view it was much more practical to not alarm the Iranian Mullah’s with petty concerns from Israel. Yet, the president insists that America will have Israel’s back, just in case Iran goes crazy with its asymmetrical warfare plans against Israel. (that’s a little like trusting Hitler to not light any fires)

    As of 2010, there are 49 countries in which Muslims comprise more than 50% of the population. A total of 1.2 billion Muslims live in these nations, representing 74% of the global Muslim population of 1.6 billion. Nigeria is quickly becoming a Muslim nation, thanks to the Boko Haram Muslim terrorists that are chasing out the Christians.
   Travel and Leisure Magazine has named the 10 most dangerous vacation spots in the world. Unsurprisingly, they are all Muslim countries with the lone exception of North Korea. Why are Muslim countries so much more dangerous than non-Muslim countries?
    According to the US State Department, there are over 100 known and active Muslim terrorist organizations operating around the world. Now it may seem like that all Muslims are terrorists, but that is fortunately a misnomer. It does though appear very close that all terrorists are Muslims, but even that is not an absolute fact. In truth there are about 20 Communist networks that are deemed terrorist organizations.
    On the flip side, there is only one Jewish nation in the entire world, Israel with just 6,000,000 Jews. There are only approximately 14-18,000,000 Jews worldwide. These figures stand in stark contrast to the vast numbers of Muslim nations (50) and the followers of Islam. (1.6 billion) or (1,600,000,000)
   And then the current President of the United States has the audacity to insist that the biggest terrorist-sponsoring nation (Iran) in the world does not even have to recognize the tiny state of Israel before discussing that nations thrust to acquire nuclear weapons! And to top it off, the Iranian Ayatollah’s are persistently announcing that Israel must be eradicated, like a surgeon on a cancer, and that when it acquires a nuclear bomb, it will perform the nuclear surgery!
    Even an ignoramus about world affairs must wonder to himself, "why is it that the tiny little nation of Israel" is so revolting to so many people. Are there too many Jews? Is Israel taking up too much space? Does Israel sponsor and promote international terrorist networks that are causing great anxiety in all corners of the world? Has Israel threatened to wipe any nation off the face of the earth? Does Judaism teach its adherents to subjugate people and force them to submit to their god, or else be killed? What is the reason that the whole world hates Israel, and wishes that it would just disappear?

   Why does the mere discussion about its fundamental "right-to-exist" cause so much turmoil? This question and its concerns are not asked about any other nation. All other nations, peoples, religions, and races are accorded the right to simply exist for the most part, but not Israel; why?
    Could it be that the gods of this world, and many of its religions are causing people to hate Israel for some reason? Could it be that the "God of the Bible" (who has a Jewish revelation) has a purpose for Israel, and the false gods simply don't like it?
    Beware, all those who reject Israel's right to exist!

   Zechariah 12:2-3  Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem. And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.



Focus on Jerusalem Prophecy Ministry
by: Darrell G. Young
April 11, 2015