Archivedwhat is the problem??????Aieno Wrote
Supporting Israel is not a political decision for a Christian.
Zionist leader Theodore Herzl met with Pope Pius X in January 1904 and asked the Roman Church to support Jewish aspirations for a return to their traditional homeland in Israel. The pope was blunt. "The Jews have not recognized our Lord, therefore we cannot recognize the Jewish people."
For practical purposes, that is where matters stood between the Vatican and Israel for 99 years. The United Nations partition of Palestine garnered Vatican approval only because Jerusalem would remain under international control.
To the Vatican, however, it seemed that no recognition of the Nation of Israel would be possible unless three issues were resolved: Israel's borders must be solidified; Jerusalem's status must be settled; Catholics living in Arab countries must be protected against backlash from any deal with Israel.
Talks and negotiations got nowhere for many years. The breakthrough came under Pope John Paul II, a pontiff who has reached across many barriers. The fact that Israel was now in possession of Jerusalem and that it had begun negotiations with Palestinians oiled the diplomatic engine.
In 1992, the Vatican and Israel agreed to agree. Negotiators set to work to figure out terms of recognition. On December 30, 1993, the Vatican and Israel signed the Fundamental Agreement Between the Holy See and the State of Israel.
Naturally, the church wanted to protect church property and traditional sacred spots. In the most awesome event of history, God became man and walked dusty paths and stony streets in a little mideastern nation. Sacred spots marked the events of his life. The Vatican also wanted to protect the rights of Christians, and its own freedom to teach and train Christians. The articles granted these objectives.
Both parties promised to uphold human freedom and the right to worship. Both deplored anti-Semitism. Israel agreed to maintain the "status quo" on places of worship that belonged to the Roman Church. Scholarly exchanges and exchanges of ancient manuscripts were encouraged. The church was allowed to carry on its charitable and moral works and to own property in Israel.
Diplomatic ties commenced as soon as the agreement was signed. "Following the entry into force and immediately upon the beginning of the implementation of the present Fundamental Agreement, the Holy See and the State of Israel will establish full diplomatic relations at the level of Apostolic Nunciature, on the part of the Holy See, and Embassy, on the part of the State of Israel." Israel had received the recognition from the Roman Church that it so long desired.
As you can see why the Church recognizes Israel, to protect its members and its property etc... Not because it agrees with the Israelis and their policies, nethier do I.
Aieno Wrote
Who are the 144,000 is not an ambiguous question.
WHO MAKES UP THE 144000?
They are JEWS: The Chosen People of God.
They are MALES: As with most of the ministry work of Scripture.
They are VIRGINS: As with the truest form of discipleship.
They remain SINGLE: As eunuchs
They follow THE LAMB OF GOD: Jesus Christ the Messiah!
This force is taught about in the book of Revelation 7:2-8 by the Apostle John:
" And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel. Of the tribe of Judah were sealed 12,000. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed 12,000. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed 12,000. Of the tribe of Aser were sealed 12,000. Of the tribe of Naphthalim were sealed 12,000. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed 12,000. Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed 12,000. Of the tribe of Levi were sealed 12,000. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed 12,000. Of the tribe of Zabulun were sealed 12,000. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed 12,000. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed 12,000."
In Revelation 14:1-5 we find this group mentioned again:
" And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Fathers name written in their foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps: And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. These are they which were not defiled with women: for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb."
According to these New Testament prophecies the tribulation period will see God raise up 144,000 Jewish male virgins. These men will believe in and follow the lifestyle of Jesus the Messiah! The cornerstone of this service is the active pursuance of being a eunuch or "single for God." This is, and has always been, the place to begin Biblical discussion of discipleship: the reality of "following Jesus!" The balance of this article will pursue the "setting" of this cornerstone.
Does that answer your Question?
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