BFn Notes

It is a saying to 'beware of Greeks bearing gifts'. In Greek legend Troy was taken by the Greek gift of a wooden horse. Interpreted as a peace gift, the people of Troy even put wheels on the wooden horse to take it within their gates, where famously the Greeks emerge while the people of Troy are celebrating 'peace'. ... More

Recently we wrote in Watchman part 3 of the Cyprus tree felled by Israel and the confrontation with Lebanon which in the Bible is the Great Cedar. Shortly after we have a very significant incident where a wind gust broke the Anne Frank Tree in Amsterdam as if it were a matchstick. ... More

In the night of the nations there are new developments in the climate, specifically affecting the political climate. And then there is also the issue of the tree Israel cut down. ... More

Queen Victoria became Empress of India in 1876. In the modern world in 1947 India gained independence or freedom from the British Empire. India's long history shows the poverty and disunity of independence and 'freedom' and the possible glory and peace of kingdom. ... More

In the past, with great fervour, people have set dates for the Millenium, but they have passed. Does this mean that all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation? We can know this is not true as, for sure, the only thing certian is change. We pray 'thy kingdom come' and for our Lord's return. We think we are in the last days and the return is near. But how near is near? ... More

There was some footage placed on U-tube of 6 IDF soldiers dancing as a group on duty in Hebron, more often the scene of warfare as the city is a point of tension in Israel. It was swiftly taken down and the implication was that they would face discipline. If it is not considered good form that soldiers dance on duty, what would the world think of an army who goes into battle singing a love song? Which army? An army of Israel of course. ... More

What is Zionism if those that claim to be Zionist cannot be classified? Do the ideals of Herzl(1860-1904), fit with those Balfour (1848-1930), who self described himself as a 'Zionist', and do these have much in common with Rav Kook (1856-1935)? And what is Zion? ... More

Let us ponder the power of God over our lives. 'Shall there be evil in a city and the LORD has not done it?' The fate of the sons of Israel shows that surely nothing has been done, of blessing, dispersal and regathering which had not been revealed to the servants the prophets (Amos 3:6-7). Who do we therefore fear? ... More

If only a few thought Israel's existence was controversial then it wouldn't be. The events in this last six months show the world leaders (and media) giving Israel an increasing prominence, which Israel may not wish for. ... More

Once, according to some, there was dispute over whether Babylon existed. Whether this is true or not Unger an expert admitted, “reams of what has been subsequently proved by archaeology to be sheer nonsense were written by scholars who viewed the Bible as legend, myth or at best unreliable history.” (Archaeology and the Old Testament 1954). Certainly the role of Belshazzar as the last ruler of Babylon was disputed. The dispute over Babylon today is about what the Iraqis might want to do with it.

Paul Schemm of Associated Press reports,

BABYLON, Iraq - A U.S.-funded program to restore the ruins of Iraq's ancient city of Babylon is threatened by a dispute among Iraqi officials over whether the priority should be preserving the site or making money off it.