Wars, Rumors of Wars, and Spiritual Awakening

   The international news of this week can be summed in a prophetical phrase: “and there shall be wars and rumors of wars”. All around the world there is increased fighting and clear preparations for war. Russia and NATO, Russia and Ukraine, Russia and Georgia, Russia and the USA, Saudi Arabia/Egypt/Jordan/others and Yemen and a proxy war with Iran, ISIS/AlQaida/Hezbolla/Islam and the rest of the world.  Because of the traitorous actions of the White House in its desperate effort to placate and strengthen the ambitions of Iran as they seek the destruction of the United States and Israel, the Middle East is exploding in an all out nuclear arms race. And, these are just the military wars and then only a partial list at that. Then there are the just as dangerous in some respects, currency wars as China, Russia, India and others seek to replace the US Dollar with a new currency and certain people in Europe and the US President seeks a New World Order with a new currency and the wars and rumors of war are seeming increasing by the week.  So what should we do? Be about the work of the Lord will the more diligence and of course, look up!

As we watch, the eyes of world are increasingly focusing on the Middle East and Israel as prophecy foretells. We can see and feel it happening. As Believers, we love Israel and the Jewish people because God does. We pray for God’s people because there is blessing in doing so. We view them as members of the family because we know that we have been grafted onto their tree and given the blessings God promised to them. We also know that Scripture tells us that we are to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. I know I have prayed for the Peace of Jerusalem in the midst of increasing hostilities and threats against them for years and years because it was right to do. But, I must confess that this week while having breakfast with a Messianic Jewish pastor friend, I had to asked God for forgiveness. As we were talking about the real meaning of Passover coming up this week  in the midst of increasing  hostilities in the Middle East, my friend Jeff shared with me some encouraging news. After coming back from almost 2 months in Israel and as he talked with hundreds of fellow Jews there and here, that he said that it is clear and obvious that God is opening the hearts of His people. What once were constant rejections of any discussion about Jesus as the Messiah, the response is now, “I hear you Jeff, tell me more. And then they are saying to themselves and others, ‘what if what Jeff and others are saying is really true? What if Jesus really was the Messiah?’” How amazing. This is of God’s doing and how encouraging and a sign of the times.

But, then I mentioned that I pray for the peace of Jerusalem regularly and he said what does that mean – to pray for the peace of Jerusalem? Are you praying for the physical safety of Israel and the Jews or their spiritual salvation. And that struck my heart because I believe that I and likely most Americans in our support for Israel, may quite likely be praying a bit amiss. As my friend Jeff said, there will be no peace in Jerusalem/Israel until they accept the Prince of Peace. Physical peace is nice, but God’s heart for His people is spiritual peace which only comes through salvation. He said, you and Christians must pray for the spiritual salvation of the Jews as that is God’s heart. I agree. So, from now on, my prayer is for the spiritual awakening and salvation for the people of God. When they accept the Messiah as the Lamb of God, the Prince of Peace will bring true peace and fulfill the prophecies we’ve all longed to see.

So this week as Jews across the world observe Passover and the Seder meal, join me in praying for their spiritual salvation, for their eyes to be opened and that they will look on Him Who they rejected and embrace the Messiah. And may we thank the Lord that He has manifested grace to us and made us part of the Commonwealth of Israel. These are exciting days as God completes His plan of redemption. I trust that our hearts and minds will be increasingly in tune with the heart of God.

-Sam Rohrer, APN President

 

More Than 500 Are Re-energized in Quest to ‘Stand in the Gap for Truth’ at Pennsylvania Pastors Network’s ‘U-Turn’ Conference

More than 500 pastors, church leaders and laypeople came together for the Pennsylvania Pastors Network (PPN, www.papastors.netconference, “U-Turn: A Roadmap for Renewal,” on Thursday at Lancaster Bible College in Lancaster, Pa.—an event that answered questions about society, culture and leadership, with a focus on how cultural trends can be strategically impacted with the truths of God’s Word.

“At PPN’s ‘U-Turn’ conference, we were blessed to be able to communicate a coherent message to pastors and church leaders that was uplifting, inspirational, God-honoring and relevant, and have a real conversation about the most important issues of our day,” said PPN President Sam Rohrer, who also serves as President of the American Pastors Network (APN,www.AmericanPastorsNetwork.net). “We were also honored and humbled to hear many positive comments about the speakers, presentations and value of the conference. We commend all of our speakers who provided their unique perspectives on ‘standing in the gap for truth’ along with effective ways all of us can spiritually renew our nation. And we pray that the resulting fruit from all that the Lord did in the hearts and lives of those who attended will be lasting and will lead to cultural renewal in our nation.”

The powerful one-day conference, titled “U-Turn: A Roadmap for Renewal—A Conversation with Pastors on Society, Culture and Leadership,” united some of the top Christian speakers, along with pastors, leaders and laypeople so they could be inspired and committed to apply biblical principles in all matters of life, ultimately to “stand in the gap for truth.”

Conference headliners George Barna and David Barton were particular hits with the crowd.

Barna, who spoke on “The Necessity of Engagement: A Statistical Perspective,” founded The Barna Group, a leading research firm focused on faith and culture, in 1984 and sold it in 2009. Since then, he has continued to be involved in political research and strategy. He is the author or co-author of more than 50 books, including various best sellers and award-winning volumes such as “Growing True Disciples,” “Transforming Children into Spiritual Champions,” “Revolution,” “Revolutionary Parenting,” “ Pagan Christianity?,” “The Frog in the Kettle” and “The Power of Vision.” Barna has served as a pastor and has taught at several universities and seminaries.

Barton, who addressed the topic of “When Pastors Stand for Truth: A Historical Perspective,” heads WallBuilders, a national pro-family organization that presents America’s forgotten history and heroes, with an emphasis on America’s moral, religious and constitutional heritage. He is the author of numerous best-selling books, with the subjects drawn largely from his massive library-museum of tens of thousands of original writings, documents and artifacts from early America. He also addresses well over 400 groups each year. His exhaustive research has rendered him an expert in historical and constitutional issues.

Together, Barna and Barton shared critical components of “A Roadmap for the Future: Where Do We Go From Here?” The two have also teamed up to author a book that focuses on some of the same issues as the conference. Their work, “U-Turn: Restoring America to the Strength of Its Roots,” looks at what has happened to America since the country turned away from God and addresses how we can turn our nation around. The book was available at the conference at a 20 percent discount.

The impressive lineup of speakers and their topics also included:

  • Paul Blair of Reclaiming America for Christ on “The Pastor’s Impact:  A Biblical Perspective”
  • “How Can We Effect Change?”: A panel discussion with Rohrer, Barna, Barton and Blair
  • “A Ministry Perspective”: A panel discussion moderated by Dr. Gary Dull, PPN Executive Director, which included Ralph Drollinger of Capitol Ministries; Jeff Mateer of the Liberty Institute; Sandy Rios of American Family Association and American Family Radio; and Pastor Joe Green of Antioch Assembly
  • Gov. Mike Huckabee, Former Governor of Arkansas and former Fox News commentator, who offered a special video message to attendees
  • Sammy Tippit of Sammy Tippit Ministries on “Light That Shatters the Dark”
  • Pilot, author and pastor Steve Scheibner on “Living On Borrowed Time: A Pilot’s Story From 9/11/01”

Those not on the Lancaster Bible College campus were able to watch the conference via live streaming.

APN has recently received a $30,000 matching donation for all contributions made for this and future U-Turn events. Donations and sponsorships up to $30,000 will be matched, resulting in $60,000 to the American Pastors Network. Those interested may call APN at 610-901-3607.

Pennsylvania Pastors Network encourages pastors to bring together biblical and constitutional principles in their sermons and provides resources to pastors throughout the state. For more information on PPN, visit www.papastors.net or call 610.901.3607.

 

Matching Gift Sponsorship Opportunity for U-Turn America!

God has blessed us with a donor who will match every donation for the U-Turn America Series of U-Turn events, U-Turn projects and the American Pastors Network radio programs focused on turning America back to biblical truth through faith leaders who are courageous enough to stand in the gap for Truth.

Donations and Sponsorships up to $30,000 will be matched resulting in $60,000 to the American Pastors Network!  

U-Turn America donations will:

  • Fund U-Turn events across the nation in all 50 states
  • Provide American Pastors Network the ability to speak across the nation through media interviews, churches, and other speaking engagements
  • Allow for radio expansion across America to reach 100,000 pastors (50 states with 2,000 pastors each) through broadcasting of the APN radio programs “Stand in the Gap Today,” “Stand in the Gap Weekend” and “Stand in the Gap Minute” to apply the Truth of Scripture to every aspect of life, including family, civil government, and the Church.

Click here to make your matching donation gift today!

For more information, call Pennsylvania Pastors Network at (610) 901-3607.