10 Top Misconceptions About Pentecostal Christians

Don't believe the stereotypes about Pentecostals in America. (Facebook)

If you happen to tune into the Oxygen network's Preachers of L.A. or National Geographic Channel's Snake Salvation, you might be tempted to believe all Pentecostals are either money-grubbing charlatans or misguided rural bumpkins. But the truth is never in the media stereotypes.

I'm a Pentecostal. I don't wear that label on my sleeve, but I'm not ashamed to admit to anyone that I'm a Christian who believes in the power of the Holy Spirit. Yet when I use the word Pentecostal to describe myself I get some funny looks.

Some people think Pentecostals are brainless weirdos who go into uncontrollable fits during religious services. They're surprised to learn we have advanced degrees, own businesses, hold public office and mobilize a lot of the world's charitable work.

To set the record straight, here are 10 facts about Pentecostals that might clear up the misconceptions:

1. We do not necessarily attend Pentecostal churches. Since the 1960s in the United States, there have been growing numbers of Pentecostals in other denominational churches. There are Pentecostal Anglicans, Pentecostal Methodists, Pentecostal Baptists and huge numbers of Pentecostal Catholics. A recent 2011 Pew Research Center study revealed that Pentecostals and charismatics make up more than a quarter of all Christians today. And last year the leader of all Anglicans, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, admitted that he speaks in tongues.

2. We are not uneducated. The idea that Pentecostals are theologically ignorant is silly when you consider that 300 of the world's most well-known Pentecostal scholars gathered in March of this year to present papers. The theologians who participated in the annual meeting of the Society for Pentecostal Studies in Springfield, Missouri, represented more than 100 denominations and 200 academic institutions.

3. We do not all live on the "other side of the tracks." When the Pentecostal revival began in 1906 in Los Angeles, proponents of our movement were characterized as poor people who worshiped in tents with sawdust floors. But today a huge percentage of American Pentecostals belong to the middle class, and in developing countries wealthy Pentecostals are funding ambitious missionary projects. Meanwhile the owner of Hobby Lobby, David Green—who has been in the news this week because the Supreme Court ruled in his company's favor—is a Pentecostal who is worth about $5 billion.

4. We do not all support the prosperity gospel. While flamboyant preachers like Clarence McClendon and Noel Jones flaunt their wealth while begging for dollars onPreachers of L.A., the prosperity gospel is not a hit among a majority of Pentecostals. In fact, one of the nation's most prominent Pentecostal preachers, T.D. Jakes of Dallas, rebuked the stars of the reality show and told his congregation to "pull the plug" on it.

5. We do not handle snakes. Americans became intrigued with the oddity of religious snake handling because of National Geographic Channel's Snake Salvationshow. But remember that there are only about 125 churches in this country that belong to this strange sect, and the congregations are tiny. Remember, too, that prominent snake-handling pastor Jamie Coots of Middlesboro, Kentucky, died this year from a snake bite. Pentecostal denominations have condemned snake-handling since the practice began around 1910.

6. We do not go into a trance when we speak in tongues. People who speak in tongues pray voluntarily, and they can start and stop their prayers whenever they want. When researchers from the University of Pennsylvania studied the phenomenon of speaking in tongues, they found that it actually produced a feeling of peace and well-being in people who engaged in the behavior. And The New York Times reported in 2006 that a study of Christians in England suggested that those who spoke in tongues "were more emotionally stable than those who did not."

7. We are not all Republicans. Yes, Sarah Palin has attended a Pentecostal church, and so has former Attorney General John Ashcroft. But it is rudely stereotypical to assume that all Pentecostals are white conservatives. A large percentage of American Pentecostals are African-American and Hispanic, and many of them voted for Barack Obama in the divisive 2008 election. Studies have shown that Pentecostals and evangelical Christians are the largest voting bloc in the nation, and that Obama could not have won without sizeable support from this group.

8. We are not racists. While it is certainly true that racism tainted the early years of Pentecostalism, today Pentecostal and charismatic churches are more likely to be racially mixed than other denominational groups. This is primarily because the essence of the Pentecostal experience, as described in the Book of Acts, involves the breaking down of racial and cultural walls by the power of the Holy Spirit.

9. We are not prudes. There was a day when Pentecostals (along with Baptists and holiness groups) preached hard against secular entertainment—and anything else that sounded fun. Women couldn't wear pants or makeup, men couldn't play cards, and movies were off limits. But this doesn't describe Pentecostals today. We have invaded the arts. And some, like David Cunningham, son of Youth With a Mission founder Loren Cunningham, have become professional filmmakers.

10. We are not going away. Pentecostals only represented 6 percent of all Christians in the year 1980. Today that number has jumped to 26 percent. And the Pulitzer Center reports that 35,000 people join Pentecostal churches every day. Some researchers predict there will be 1 billion Pentecostals in the world by 2025. No matter how you stereotype us, it cannot be said that Pentecostals are on the fringes of society. You might as well get to know us.

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J. Lee Grady is the former editor of Charisma. You can follow him on Twitter at leegrady. He is the author of The Holy Spirit Is Not for Sale and other books.

The Antichrist and the Muslim Mahdi

The Antichrist and the Muslim Mahdi (Part 1)

7:00AM EDT 9/30/2014 MICHAEL YOUSSEF

(Stephen McCulloch/Flickr/Creative Commons)

Many people—religious and non-religious—are asking questions about a word they hear the media use when referring to ISIS and other Islamist jihadists. That word isapocalyptic, which is used when specifically referring to the fatalism of Islamists.

People wonder, why do so many Muslims (both Sunni and Shi'ite) operate with such an "apocalyptic," end-of-world mindset?

Our secular society, however, coupled with the media's carelessness, is bandying about words like apocalyptic without using them properly and without explanation. That creates a great deal of confusion for some, many of whom just throw up their hands in resignation and say, "I don't understand this."

But for those who want to understand, I am offering this two-part column, taking excerpts from my newest book, Jesus, Jihad, and Peace. I hope this will put things into perspective, so when the media says that an Islamist entity (such as ISIS, al-Qaeda, Iran, etc.) operate with an apocalyptic vision, you can make sense of it.

The word apocalypse does not, in fact, refer to a disastrous, catastrophic, end-of-world event. It's a Greek word, the root of which means revelation, or revealing things that are hidden. For instance, we know the last book of the Bible as Revelation, but in the original Greek language, it is Apokalupsae. It reveals what is happening in the heavenly realm, as well as events in the future.

The Concept of the Antichrist

Both the Old Testament and New Testament spoke of an end-times figure, the Antichrist, some 600 years or more before Islam came on the scene. That timing will be important when I explain Islam's "end of time" coming of a Mahdi in my next column.

The Antichrist is known by various names. Paul calls him "the lawless one,"  "the man of lawlessness," and "the man doomed to destruction" who "will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshipped, so that he sets himself up in God's temple, proclaiming himself to be God" (2 Thess. 2:1-12). The most detailed description of the Antichrist is in Revelation 13, where the Apostle John refers to the Antichrist as "the beast." The Old Testament prophet Daniel describes the abominable works of the Antichrist, but gives him no name or title (Dan. 9:27).

Who, then, is the Antichrist, whose brief but terrible reign is predicted in both the Old and New Testaments? He will be a world leader of unparalleled political, military and religious power. He will be charming, persuasive and popular beyond measure. The world will not know him as the "Antichrist," but by some attractive name and appealing title. But just as the word "Antichrist" suggests, he will be the opposite of the Lord Jesus Christ in every way. Everything Christ is, the Antichrist is not; everything Christ is not, the Antichrist is.

Jesus came from heaven (John 6:38); the Antichrist comes from the Abyss, the spiritual domain of evil (Rev. 11:7). Jesus came in the Name of the Father; the Antichrist comes in his own name (John 5:43). Jesus was despised by the world (Is. 53:3); the Antichrist will be worshipped by the world (Rev. 13:3-4). Jesus came in humility as a servant (Phil. 2:7-8); the Antichrist comes in pride, claiming to be God (2 Thess. 2:4; Dan. 11:36). Jesus is the truth (John 14:6); the Antichrist is the lie (2 Thess. 2:9-11). Jesus is the Son of God (Mark 1:1; Luke 1:35); the Antichrist is the son of perdition (2 Thess. 2:3, KJV).

The Apostle Paul tells us that the mystery (or secret) of godliness is that God Himself has appeared to us in human flesh (1 Tim. 3:16)—and that the mystery (or secret) of lawlessness is that Satan has produced a counterfeit Christ, the Antichrist, Satan wrapped in human flesh (2 Thess. 2:6-8). Jesus is the true Shepherd; Satan will have his evil shepherd, the Antichrist. Jesus is the Holy One of God; the Antichrist will be the lawless one of Satan. Jesus is the Man of Sorrows; the Antichrist will be the man of sin.

One Antichrist and many antichrists

First of all, the Antichrist is coming—a lawless man who will come in Satan's power, demanding to be worshipped as God, destroying all those who love God. But John tells us that there are many other antichrists, lesser deceivers who are also self-exalting, evil and destructive. They are antichrists, but they are not the Antichrist.

Jesus tells us that, shortly before His return, the Antichrist will arise during a time of global chaos and confusion, when the world is in political, social, financial and ecological upheaval. The terrified people of the world, desperate for a strong leader, will turn to this man and give him control of the governments of the world.

Daniel tells us that the Antichrist will speak "boastfully" (Dan. 7:8), yet it is clear that these will not be empty boasts. The Antichrist will appear to possess superhuman brilliance. He'll be the ultimate smooth talker, the greatest con man who ever lived, and he'll unite the nations under his rule. At first, he'll seem to be a wise and benevolent dictator, bringing peace, prosperity and hope. But once he is firmly in control of the gears and levers of power, he'll reveal his true intentions.

The way has been paved for such a leader. Atheists, humanists, New Age mystics, Hindus, Buddhists and Islamists have little in common with each other—but they all share in the belief that Jesus is not the only way to salvation. There are even many self-styled "Christians" who deny the Lord's claim to be the only way to God. So it will be easy for the Antichrist to establish himself to many as an acceptable alternative.

In these days of muddled and confused worldviews, it is vitally important to know the truth. After all, Jesus said, "The truth will set you free." As events unfold, we need to see them not only through the camera's lens, but also through the lens of biblical revelation.

That the Antichrist is coming is known—only the timing is unknown. Although we know not the hour of night that the thief comes, we must be prepared nonetheless.

Next we'll take a look at the striking parallels between the Antichrist and Islam's Mahdi (savior). 

The Antichrist and the Muslim Mahdi (Part 2)

Mecca, also called Makkah, is the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad and the site of his first revelation of the Quran.

In my last article, I explained the Judeo-Christian understanding of the Antichrist, and that he will somehow be intertwined with Israel, and more specifically, Jerusalem.

Because Islam borrowed a great deal from Judaism and Christianity, it is not surprising that they too have a figure with a messianic complex—the Mahdi, or the Guided One.

Muslims see the Mahdi as a savior who will lead a global revolution and establish a worldwide Islamic empire. The Mahdi will rule the earth as the final Caliph of Islam (a caliph is both a political ruler and a spiritual representative of Allah on earth).

Muslims revere Jesus (whom they call Isa) as the Masih or Messiah. In Islamic eschatology, the Mahdi will arrive at the same time that Isa returns. Isa will descend to earth in Syria, east of Damascus, dressed in yellow robes, and will assist the Mahdi, who will rule over the earth for seven years (or, in some Islamic traditions, nine or nineteen years). At the end of the Mahdi's rule, there will be a Day of Judgment for the entire human race.

The parallels between the biblical Antichrist and the Mahdi of Islam are chilling. Both are associated with the End Times and the Judgment. Both possess political, military, and religious power, and head up a one-world religion. The Mahdi will force all non-Muslim people to convert to Islam. Like the Antichrist, the Mahdi will establish Jerusalem as his capital, from which he will rule the earth.

Islamic scholars Muhammad ibn Izzat and Muhammad Arif write, in Al Mahdi and the End of Time: "The Mahdi will be victorious and eradicate those pigs and dogs and the idols of this time so that there will once more be a caliphate based on prophethood as the hadith states. ... Jerusalem will be the location of the rightly guided caliphate and the center of Islamic rule, which will be headed by Imam al-Mahdi. ... That will abolish the leadership of the Jews ... and put an end to the domination of the Satan who spit evil into people and cause corruption in the earth, making them slaves of false idols and ruling the world by laws other than the Sharia [Islamic law] of the Lord of the worlds."

Though Muslims revere Jesus as a prophet, they deny that Jesus is the Son of God. Jews and Christians are, to Muslim fundamentalists, "pigs and dogs" who must either convert to Islam or be eliminated. Bible prophecy makes it clear that the Antichrist will target Jews and Christians for destruction, just as Islamic prophecy states that the Mahdi will wage war against Jews and Christians. Those who oppose the Antichrist's worldwide religion will be executed.

Muslim scholar Imam Muhammad Baqir states clearly how the Mahdi will establish his one-world religion: "There must be bloodshed and jihad to establish Imam Mahdi's rule." And Ayatollah Ibrahim al Amini of the Religious Learning Center in Qom, agrees: "The Mahdi will offer the religion of Islam to the Jews and Christians; if they accept it, they will be spared, otherwise they will be killed."

Daniel tells us (and Jesus affirms in the Olivet Discourse) that the Antichrist will establish "the abomination that causes desolation" in the temple in Jerusalem. The apostle Paul adds that the Antichrist "will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God's temple, proclaiming himself to be God" (2 Thessalonians 2:4). Since the temple was destroyed in 70 A.D., as Jesus predicted, this has led some (not all Christians) to suggest that the Jewish temple must be rebuilt on the Temple Mount before the Antichrist can be revealed to the world.

Yet the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque stand on the Temple Mount today. One of the Islamic Hadiths (traditions) records that their Prophet Muhammad said, "[Armies carrying] black flags will come from Khurasan [Iran and Afghanistan], no power will be able to stop them and they will finally reach Eela [the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem] where they will erect their flags." In Islamic tradition, black banners symbolize violent conquest, and Muslims await the Mahdi's conquest of Jerusalem, when he establishes his reign from the temple site.

Daniel 9:27 tells us the Antichrist will establish a seven-year covenant with Israel—but he will break the covenant after three and a half years, defiling the temple with "an abomination that causes desolation." The Hadiths of Islam also speak of a seven-year covenant that the Mahdi makes with Israel: "The Prophet said: There will be four peace agreements between you and the Romans. The fourth will be mediated through a person who will be from the progeny of Hadrat Aaron [Honorable Aaron, the brother of Moses] and will be upheld for seven years."

There can be no doubt: Muslims are preparing to accept the Mahdi as their leader—and the Mahdi is indistinguishable from the world leader we know as the Antichrist.

I bring all of this to your attention so we can have a knowledgeable perspective when viewing current events unfolding in the Middle East.

But Christians should not fear.

Regardless of whether the Antichrist comes in this generation or a hundred years from now, those who have placed their faith in God's Messiah, Jesus the Christ, fear no one nor even death. Their eternity is secure in the one who is the only one to defeat death and rise from the grave.

Michael Youssef, Ph.D., is the founder and president of Leading the Way with Dr. Michael Youssef, a worldwide ministry that leads the way for people living in spiritual darkness to discover the light of Christ through the creative use of media and on-the-ground ministry teams. Youssef was born in Egypt.

Faith in Progress

It's early. The fireplace is on in the quiet of this October morning. I feel the warmth of the fire as I recline in my old Lazi-Boy and glance at the outside drizzle falling on the shrubs. As I pull the big handle to extend the foot-rest, it creaks a bit with age and yet-again Lizzie the Wonderdog thinks I extended it for her. As if on cue she leaps up to take her usual place snuggling against my now extended legs. My fresh breakfast-blend is steaming and after a few sips I rest the large cup on the adjacent window sill. I page around for my passage marker in my now decades-long journey of discipleship & study commitment.

This is the most favorite time in my routine when I can pause to hear God's voice above all the noise in my life. Soon the phone will ring and the emails will buzz as busyness sets in, but for now my thoughts soon drift off to long-ago times as vivid accounts of another bible adventure unfold under guidance from the Living God. Time seems to stand still as I press in. I am humbled at how I clearly I can hear his voice and so firmly feel his hand. I love to spot the principles and patterns in scripture as I see evidence of God's activity in the lives of great people from long ago that God has used mightily. We can often see failures as well, when God's principles have been violated. I can grow wise learning from these glaring mistakes. God wants to change my character.

Patterns like ....Faithfulness brings reward; Obedience leads to Blessing; Prophecy first...then always the Fulfillment. Faith grows from reading the Word, believing and trusting; God working from small to BIG; inside to outside. He teaches that usually Blessing flows from the older to the younger; Sin entangles while Righteousness exalts; Forgiveness frees; Praise brings his Presence, Pride turns Him away; How that Israel is the "apple of His Eye". Studying the principles in scripture has enriched my life tremendously as I lead a personal quest to be Mighty through God's Spirit. Little by little, precept by precept, God begins to work on my character, revealing my pride and selfishness. The historic Jesus becomes my closest friend! It has been quite a ride!

I've tried a number of approaches through the years to my bible-study. The through-the-year; the here and there; the topical; the megachurch-pastor-led; the verse-of-the-day and a variety of others. While all have merit, what continues to be my favorite, is when I consume larger consecutive passages and take the time to dig-in. That could mean a chapter or a few verses, but more than likely a whole book in a sitting, because reading in context has considerably more to offer. Not only because you get the end of the story without pausing a day, but so often, it's difficult to put it away as God begins to speak into my life.

The pen comes out to underline, a commentator elaborates, the yellow highlighter marks something fresh. But you just have to begin to read it yourself to see what I mean!

I'm hoping you enjoy the ANVIL Newsletter as we try to be relevant to our world and reflect the Men of Issachar who "understood the times" they were living in.

The "Left Behind" Movie - Don't Miss It!

The Bible is replete with information about the Second Coming of Christ, which as you know may be described as having "2-parts".  The Rapture (Christ coming FOR his Church) could be described as the first part of the Second Coming (The Second Coming is actually about Christ coming WITH his Church about 7 years after the Rapture has occured) as christians will rise to meet Him in the air, and then later will return with Him when he comes to rule and reign here on earth. 

People may be surprised to learn that next to the topic of "Salvation", the main topic in the New Testament is the "2nd Coming".  One in thirty verses in the New Testament concern the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.  If you look at the amount of New Testament scripture about Christ's First Coming (His Advent or birth) v.s. the amount of Scripture about his Second Coming, you'll find that volume of Scripture references concerning His 2nd Coming outnumber by 8:1  (Eight to one!)  While He didn't give us the exact date, He explained in detail the signs that will occur just before the Rapture. My point? ....shouldn't you be paying a lot of attention to these Scriptures?  (Click for more information on what the Bible says about the Rapture and 2nd Coming).  

"in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed." (1 Cor 15)

I recently had the opportunity to see the new "Left Behind"movie just recently released, starring Nicholas Cage.  We even took Grandma along to see her first theater-seen movie. My comments about "Left Behind" would echo those that 92 year old Grandma had - "...it sure was good, but really scary!"  I would add that it definitely serves to heighten the awareness that teens and adults should have regarding the Return of Jesus Christ for his Church.

1. The Story

   Left Behind is an apocalyptic Action-Thriller movie starring Nicolas Cage based on the New York Times bestselling novel that brings biblical prophecy to life in modern times.

   The most important event in the history of mankind is happening right now. In the blink of an eye, the biblical Rapture strikes the world. Millions of people disappear without a trace. All that remains are their clothes and belongings, and in an instant, terror and chaos spread around the world. The vanishings cause unmanned vehicles to crash and burn. Planes fall from the sky. Emergency forces everywhere are devastated. Gridlock, riots and looting overrun the cities. There is no one to help or provide answers. In a moment, the entire planet is plunged into darkness.

   The Steele family is caught on the razor’s edge of that darkness. RAY STEELE, an airline pilot, struggles to calm, and ultimately to save the lives of the passengers that remain on his flight, as the world below loses its ability to help his plane, and any other to safety. Running out of fuel, his equipment failing, his crew escalating into panic, Ray must guide the plane with the help of GWN reporter, CAMERON “BUCK” WILLIAMS who takes over the role of co-pilot in the face of the crisis. For Buck Williams, being trapped at 30,000 feet with a plane full of terrified passengers means a struggle to understand the incomprehensible.

   On the ground, Ray’s daughter CHLOE STEELE struggles to find her young brother and mother, both of whom may have disappeared in the Biblical event. Forcing herself through the chaos, Chloe must navigate a world filled with terror and despair.

I would recommend this movie as suitable for all ages in personal or church settings.  In fact for church settings it is ideal in that it has the compelling and especially "redemptive theme" of the Rapture.  In Mississauga, it is playing at the Cineplex at Square One.  Here I have copied the movie trailer from the official movie site.  
The LEFT BEHIND MOVIE -Official Website (CLICK)

Are you ready?

Unfamiliar with "The Rapture" as mentioned in scripture?  

...The following ANVIL Newsletter article will help you understand more about it.

The ANVIL Newsletter: Rapture...an unprecedented event is about to occur.

If your heart is cold, my fire cannot warm you (Click to read)

-From Chuck Swindoll, Seasons of Life

10 Chivalrous Acts a Husband Should Show His Wife

4:00PM EDT 10/14/2014 ALLPRODAD.COM STAFF

For a Godly man, chivalry is not an outdated concept. (iStock photo)

Chivalry is a romantic idea, and often misunderstood. So, first off, let's be clear as to what the word really means.

At FreeDictionary.com, chivalry is defined this way:

1. The medieval system, principles and customs of knighthood.

a) The qualities idealized by knighthood, such as bravery, courtesy, honor and gallantry toward women.

b) A Manifestation of any of these qualities.

2. A group of knights or gallant gentlemen.

Fortunately for all of us—men, women and children—we have come a long way from medieval Europe, and a system of social protocols that made productive relationships based in equality virtually impossible.

However, there are deeper principles based on the values of self-giving love that still afford 21st-century men the opportunity to honor and respect their wives without the patronizing baggage of chauvinism.

So, feel free to be your wife's knight, ride up on your noble steed, and demonstrate your dutiful affection via the following "10 Acts a Chivalrous Husband Should Show His Wife":

1. He always thinks of her first: This may sound like a "no-brainer," but it's also true that many of us play out our role as husbands while bypassing the brain as a matter of routine! Make this a personal discipline until it becomes second nature.

10 Ways to Teach Children It's Not All About Them

2. He opens the door (Not just the car door, but every door, every time): Yes, the car door thing is cliché. But it—and every door—is such a good opportunity to let both our wife and the entire world know how you honor her.

3. He holds her hand. A lot. For no good reason. Just holding your wife's hand with no ulterior motive lets her know she's deeply connected to you and that you prize her affection. It signals warmth and protection. And that she's the only gal for you.

4. He walks on the street side of the sidewalk. Remember walking? Remember sidewalks? This action has its roots in shielding women from the mud and the splash. However, splash or no splash, it's a posture that says, "I will protect you; I place myself between you and danger." Simply moving around to that side is a huge statement of respect.

5. He gets soaked fetching an umbrella. Again, it's the principle of the action. You get the car, you run around in the rain and open the door, you shield her with the umbrella. This kind of initiative is a way of life, not a novelty action.

6. He coaches his children in self-giving love. Don't let it stop with you, All Pro Dad. Teach your children, especially your sons, to look out for their mother and to put her first. Kindness, when they see it in you and practice it in their own lives, will heal your family.

10 Ways to Teach Your Children Humility

7. He serves her coffee or tea in bed in the morning. Don't ride in on the horse, but do serve her in this way as much as possible. And it's also a good idea when the whole family eats together, that no one takes a bite until mom lifts her spoon.  It's a way to honor her sacrifice of preparing the meal.

8. He is always courteous. Many men are un-chivalrous in the way they put themselves first and fail to think of the needs of their wives. Say "please" and "thank you." Do not raise your voice. Turn off the distractions when you eat together (she's more important than answering the phone). Make it obvious that the relationship is primary. Believe us, courtesy sets the tone, and it is always reciprocated.

9. He washes her car before he washes his. It's the little things. Did you offer her the last cookie? When you poured yourself a glass of water, did you offer her one too? Did it occur to you to wash her car when you spent all afternoon spiffing up yours?

10. He stands up and takes the heat. Does she know you "have her back?" Was the repair guy surly when she talked with him on the phone? Is she getting the run-around trying to sort out the insurance claim? Was the waiter at the restaurant or the clerk at the store out of line? We're not suggesting you go Rambo on these people, but consider stepping up and saying, "Excuse me, but it's unacceptable for you to talk to my wife that way." But leave the shield, lance and sword in the car.

For the original article, visit allprodad.com.

How Do Jews Answer "Who is Jesus?"

Editor's Note:   Have you ever wondered.... If you walked down a street in Israel and asked an average Israeli citizen, "Who Is Jesus?",  what they would say? This video project leaves little doubt as to the answer of that question.

In 2 Corinthians Chapter 3, Paul says of the Jews, "14But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away.15Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. 16But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."

In a previous ANVIL Newsletter, we looked at what God has in mind for Israel's people in the future, as foretold through the prophet Ezekiel: Ezekiel said: "...First the flesh...then the Spirit!" (Click this Link)