Who the World Needs Now

Who the World Needs Now

We are living in troubled times. Saying so is not an exaggeration. You know it. I know it. And daily we are reminded of it when we read the headlines, listen to the politicians, or watch the pundits on the major news networks.

Since October 7 of last year, it seems like the lid to Pandora’s box has been removed and permanently lost because the headlines have been riddled with alarming stories.

Whether it’s the U.S. threatening to take action against Iran because Iran is not fully transparent about the status of its nuclear program (Reuters) or it’s the Houthis promising to stage more attacks in the Red Sea during Ramadan (Breitbart), these are troubling times.

To make matters worse, Iran, China, Russia are set to conduct joint naval drills. The exercise “seeks to showcase the collective capabilities of Russia, Iran, and China in promoting global peace and maritime security” (i24 News).  

And then there are issues beyond the borders of Israel and the Middle East which are equally disturbing. According to Bloomberg, India is adding 10,000 troops to its border with China. Breitbart reports that Iran is arming Venezuela with weapons that can reach Miami, Florida. The Associated Press notes that “U.S.-Chinese relations are at their lowest level in decade.” While MSN reports that “The number of Russian spies has hit Cold War levels.”

Here’s the thing, the issue isn’t geopolitical. The problem runs much deeper because the problem is personal, it’s a problem that affects each of us personally.

In April of 1965, Jackie DeShannon recorded a song written by Hal David and Burt Bacharach called, “What the World Needs Now is Love.”

What’s interesting is that many other performers also recorded the same song soon thereafter. Why? Because the song struck a chord in the hearts of many who thought love could heal the wounds of a country that was devastated by a war in Vietnam, racial discrimination, and the assassination of President Kennedy in 1963.

The problem is that not much has changed almost 59 years later. Why? Did love fail?

The truth is man’s love does fail and will always fail because the world because the world is asking the wrong question. The correct question is not “What does the world need now?” but “Who does the world need now?”

Who the world needs now is Jesus Christ.

Now, you might be wondering, “Why Jesus?” That’s an excellent question. Why Jesus?

A few years ago, I was studying the Bible and started to reflect on “Who” Jesus is and “How” He has been revealed in the Bible. I began to write down from memory every title, name, and description that referred to Jesus in the Bible. I’d like to share with you what I wrote. . .

Jesus is the Son of God, Second Person of the Holy Trinity, the Word of God, Son of Man, Second Adam, Seed of Woman who crushes the serpent’s head, the Angel of the Lord, Seed of Abraham, Jacob’s Ladder, the Lion of Judah, the Root of Jesse, the Son of David, Immanuel, Prince of Peace, Wonderful Counselor, Everlasting Father, Mighty God, Prophet, High Priest from the order of Melchizedek, Passover Lamb, our Christ/Messiah (Anointed One), Savior, the Light of the World, the Bread of Life, the Giver of Living Water, the Rock of our Salvation, our Healer, Redeemer, Sanctifier, Intercessor, Advocate, Mediator, Mystery, the Gate, the Good Shepherd, the Vine, the Resurrection and the Life, the Way, the Truth, and the Life, the Narrow Path, Firstborn of all creation, Firstborn from the dead, the Bridegroom, Head of the Body – the Church, the Radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His nature, the Author and Perfecter of faith, the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, King of kings, Lord of lords. All things have been created by Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. He is seated at the right hand of the Father and there will come a day when the trumpet will sound and the Lord will descend and all things in heaven and on earth and under the earth will bow before Him for God has highly exalted Him and given Him the name that is above all names, that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Again, our world does not need more of man’s feeble attempts to show “love,” our world needs God’s love through His Son Jesus Christ. Jesus is Who the world needs now.

You see, the personal problem that each of us has is this, we are sinners. In fact, all of us are sinners. . . whether we like this fact or not. The Bible says, “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). The word “sin” means that we have missed the mark or standard of God’s holiness. All of us have fallen short in our thoughts, words, and actions. No one is perfect.

The Bible tells us that the consequence for our sin is death; separation from God. Romans 6:23 states, “The wages of sin is death.” This means that all of us deserve to die and be eternally separated from God because we have sinned against Him and have fallen short of His perfect standard. The one thing we must remember is that God never sends anyone to hell. We send ourselves there by rejecting the truth of the Bible.

Now, let’s look at the truth about God and what He did so that we can know Him and have a relationship with Him.

The Bible says Jesus Christ took the penalty that we deserved because of our sin and placed it upon Himself and died in our place. “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Three days later Jesus Christ was resurrected from the dead to prove that He had conquered sin and death and that His claims to be the Son of God were true.

Now, we can be saved from an eternity in hell by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For by grace [undeserved favor] you have been saved [delivered from sin’s penalty] through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, that no one should boast.” The word “faith” means trust. A person must trust or depend on Jesus Christ alone for the forgiveness of sins and for the gift of eternal life. Feeding the poor or going to church won’t get you to heaven. While these things are good, such things will never save anyone. You must trust in Jesus Christ alone and God will forgive you and give you eternal life as a free gift!

Would you ask Jesus Christ to be your Savior? If so, why not pray right now and tell God you are trusting in His Son for salvation? Remember, it’s not a prayer that saves you; prayer is merely telling God what you are intending to do. It is trusting in Jesus Christ that saves you.

Please pray. . .

“Dear God, I know I’m a sinner. I know my sin deserves punishment. I believe Jesus Christ died for me and rose from the grave. I trust Jesus Christ alone as my Savior. Thank You for the forgiveness of my sins and the gift of everlasting life. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

If you just prayed, then I am so blessed that you have made this important decision to trust Jesus Christ for salvation. John 5:24 tells us, “He who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.” Jesus came to change the world one person at a time and He is committed to transforming your life now and forevermore. Jesus is Who the world needs now.

by Dr. Matthew Dodd | March 13, 2024

The Confessions of the Leader of Hamas

Barbarity. Crimes against humanity. Genocide. These are just a few of the accusations leveled against Israel after it commenced its campaign to remove Hamas, the Iranian-backed terrorist organization, from Gaza after it was brutally attacked Israel on October 7, 2023; an attack which resulted in the murder of 1,200 people, the burning and beheading of babies in front of their parents, the barbaric rape women and young girls, and the kidnapping of 240 people.

Tragically, Reuters announced today that 30,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since the IDF embarked on defeating Hamas so that the terrorist regime would never pose a threat to the citizens of Israel again. Of those 30,000 deaths in Gaza, Israel estimates that 12,000 were Hamas terrorists along with another 1,000 terrorists who were killed on October 7. But Hamas claims that only 6,000 terrorists have been eliminated since that horrific Saturday last October (Israel National News).

This last Sunday, Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu was interviewed about Israel’s war against Hamas on CBS’s “Face the Nation.” Regarding the status of war and specifically the IDF’s operation in Rafah, which is located in southern Gaza, Netanyahu said, “[O]nce we begin the Rafah operation, the intense phase of the fighting is weeks away from completion, not months, weeks away from completion. . . [W]e’ve already destroyed 18 of the 24 Hamas terrorist battalions. . . four of them are concentrated in. . . Rafah. We can’t leave the last Hamas stronghold without taking care of it. . . But understand, too, that I’ve asked the army to submit to me a double plan, first. . . to enable the evacuation of the Palestinian civilians in Gaza, and, obviously, second, to destroy the remaining Hamas battalions. That gets us a real, real distance towards the completion of our victory, and. . . we’re not going to give it up. If we have a deal, it’ll be delayed somewhat. But it’ll happen. If we don’t have a deal, we’ll do it anyway. It has to be done. Because total victory is our goal, and total victory is within reach. Not months away, weeks away once we begin the operation” (Breitbart).

Please notice what Netanyahu said. Israel is only weeks away from defeating Hamas once it begins its Rafah operation but it is seeking to protect and preserve the lives of innocent women and children in Gaza as it pursues victory.

Barbarity? Crimes against humanity? Genocide? Clearly these are false accusations.

In fact, John Spencer, Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Modern War Institute at West Point and co-author of Understanding Urban Warfare, recently praised Israel’s efforts to minimize civilian casualties while seeking to defeat an entrenched enemy.

Spencer observed,

“Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza has inevitably drawn comparisons to other battles or wars, both modern and from the past. These comparisons are mostly used to make the case that Israel’s operations in Gaza are the most destructive in history, or the deadliest in history.

Yet while the use of historical analogy may be tempting for armchair pundits, in the case of Israel’s current war, the comparisons are often poorly cited, the data used inaccurate, and crucial context left out. Given the scale and context of an enemy purposely entrenched in densely populated urban areas, as well as the presence of tunnels, hostages, rockets, attackers that follow the laws of war while defenders purposely do not, and proximity between the frontlines and the home front, there is basically no historical comparison for this war. . .

The truth is that Israel has painstakingly followed the laws of armed conflict and implemented many steps to prevent civilian casualties, despite enormous challenges. Israel’s military faced over 30,000 Hamas militants in over 400 miles of defensive and offensive tunnels embedded in and under civilian areas, populations and protected sites such as hospitals, mosques, schools, and United Nations facilities across multiple cities” (Newsweek).

Yet, the same cannot be said when it comes to Hamas and how they view and value the lives of innocent women and children living under their iron fist in Gaza. Now, before you question what I just said, please listen to the confessions of the notorious Hamas leader, Yahya Sinwar.

Today it was reported that Sinwar is quite pleased with the progress that Hamas has made in its efforts to defeat Israel and lobby the world to champion its cause. He sent a message through a carrier to the terrorists hunkered down in the network of tunnels under hospitals, mosques, schools, and United Nations buildings in Gaza and to any terrorists hiding among the civilians in Gaza.

Listen to this message of hope and encouragement to Hamas from their leader. . . Sinwar said, “Don’t worry, we have the Israelis right where we want them.” (Israel National News)

When I read that quote, I have to ask, “What does Sinwar know that Netanyahu does not know?”

Now, please compare what you are about to hear from Sinwar with what Netanyahu said on Sunday.

Speaking of the casualties in Gaza, Sinwar said that “high numbers of civilian casualties are one of Hamas’ main goals in the war, since such numbers would increase international pressure on Israel to end the fighting, after which Sinwar would be able to come out of hiding and announce Hamas’ victory and continued rule in Gaza.” (Israel National News)

Barbarity? Crimes against humanity? Genocide? Clearly, Sinwar and his followers are willing to do whatever it takes to defeat Israel, from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea, even if that means using innocent civilian women and children in Gaza.

And yet Israel is continually accused of being barbaric, genocidal maniacs. This is pure evil. This is demonic. May the lies be revealed as the truth shines its light upon them.

In times such as these, it’s important to remember that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is on the throne. He is the God who sees all, hears all, and knows all. Nothing escapes is watchful eye. And I am confident that our God is answering our prayers for Israel in her hour of need.

But I also ask that you join me in praying for the innocent women and children in Gaza, that God will shine His light upon them and draw many to saving faith in His Son, Jesus Christ.

Our God is mighty to save.

by Dr. Matthew Dodd | February 29, 2024

The Majority of Americans Still Stand with Israel

It’s been almost five months since Hamas terrorists barbarically attacked Israel, murdering 1,200 people, burning and beheading babies in front of their parents, brutally raping women and young girls, and taking approximately 240 people hostage. Since that time, Israel has sought to remove the existential threat against its citizens by systematically and strategically attacking Hamas terrorists while also seeking to protect and preserve innocent Palestinians who have suffered under the diabolical Hamas regime.

While initial support for Israel’s right to defend and protect its people from future attacks was widespread, it did not take long for antisemitism to reveal its ugly face and turn the global narrative against Israel. Protests in major cities and college campuses filled the headlines along with calls from world leaders for a ceasefire.

Not much has changed. In fact, the anti-Israel propaganda has only intensified. In many ways, October 7, 2023 will go down in history as one of the most polarizing events in modern history.

Yet, there is a ray of hope when it comes to the Israel vs. Hamas narrative. On Monday, Harvard-Harris published the results from its latest poll and the findings reveal that the majority of Americans still support Israel. “The survey was conducted online within the United States from February 21-22 among 2,022 registered voters.”

The survey reported that 82% of respondents declared their support for Israel when asked, “In this conflict do you support more Israel or more Hamas?”  What is especially encouraging is that the poll found that 72% of 18-24 year olds support Israel even though U.S. colleges and universities are inundated with antisemitic professors and administrations, especially at the elite Ivy League institutions.

Harvard-Harris also reported that 68% of respondents said they believed “Israel is trying to avoid civilian casualties in fighting its war against Hamas. . .” Again, the polling results from the younger age groups is promising with 65% of 18-24 year olds and 70% of 25-34 years stating that they believe Israel is trying to avoid civilian casualties.

In terms of a ceasefire, 67% of respondents believe that a “Ceasefire should happen only after the release of all hostages and Hamas being removed from power.” And 63% of respondents also said they “support Israel continuing its ground invasion into Southern Gaza to root out the final elements of Hamas” even though “1.2 million civilians have taken shelter there and will be under significant risk of harm if Israel  pushes forward.” Finally, 78% of respondents believe Hamas must not be allowed to run Gaza after the war is over.

The results from the Harvard-Harris Poll were cause for encouragement for Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Yesterday, Netanyahu said, “Since the beginning of the war, I have been leading a political campaign whose purpose is to curb the pressures intended to end the war before its time, and on the other hand also to gain support for Israel. We have significant successes in this area, because today the Harvard-Harris poll. . . shows that 82% of the American public supports Israel. That means four out of five citizens in the United States support Israel and not Hamas. This gives us further strength to continue the campaign until complete victory.” (Israel National News)

While these polling results are encouraging to those of us who stand with Israel, we must remember the battle is not over yet. With Ramadan, Islam’s holy month, just days away, there are calls for the attacks against Israel to intensify.

But God is on the throne. He is the God who sees all, hears all, and knows all. Nothing escapes is watchful eye. And our God is answering our prayers.

So, may we stand with Israel as Isaiah the prophet declared in Isaiah 62:1, “For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not keep quiet, until her righteousness goes forth like brightness, and her salvation like a torch that is burning.” Blessors of Israel will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem’s sake we will not keep quiet. Please stand with us as we stand with Israel and pray for Israel and the leaders of these United States. Our God is mighty to save.

by Dr. Matthew Dodd | February 28, 2024

Why is Antisemitism Increasing at U.S. Colleges after October 7?
Columbia University in New York City

A lawsuit was filed today which alleges civil rights violations “due to an antisemitic hostile education environment” at Columbia University and Barnard College according to The Jerusalem Post. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Students Against Antisemitism, Inc., StandWithUs Center for Legal Justice along with several individual Jewish students.

The plaintiffs’ complaint alleges that “Columbia and Barnard’s Jewish and Israeli students have been physically assaulted, spat at, threatened, and subjected to relentless intimidation and vilification.”

In addition, the complaint “further alleges that Columbia and Barnard practice a double standard by which Jewish students are deemed unworthy of the protections afforded to non-Jewish students; hire and promote professors who support anti-Jewish violence and spread antisemitic propaganda; and repeatedly ignore Jewish and Israeli students’ safety concerns, even in the face of intolerable abuse.” (The Jerusalem Post)

The Jerusalem Post article also notes that the US Department of Education is currently investigating Columbia University for Title VI violations.

Unfortunately, the horrific events of October 7, 2023, when Hamas terrorists brutally murder 1,200 Israelis, raped women and young girls, beheaded and burned babies, and took 240 people hostage, did little to halt the rise of antisemitism at US colleges and universities. In fact, the opposite has been true because antisemitism at institutions of higher learning has been on the rise for some time.

Last year, Pastor Rich Jones rightly observed in an article for Blessors of Israel, “The toxic atmosphere on US campuses has been long in the making. . . . Volatile accusations against Israel of colonialism, ethnic cleansing, apartheid and war crimes, however, are often rooted in a lack of knowledge of history. Instead of colonialism, Israel has found itself on the receiving end of aggression resulting in numerous wars since Israel’s statehood in 1948. Pro-Palestinians on college campuses often chant, ‘From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.’ The meaning is clear, if Palestine will be free from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea, the Jews must be defeated and annihilated.”

Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett was once asked in an interview, “When will the tension between the Palestinians and Israelis end?” Bennett’s reply captures the reality for Jews not only residing in Israel but around the world, when he said, “The answer is simple, tensions will end when they stop trying to kill us.”

The rise of antisemitism among our youth is cause for great concern because these young men and women will become tomorrow’s leaders and influencers.

Will you please join me in praying for Israel and her people?

by Dr. Matthew Dodd | February 22, 2024

The Knesset - Israel's Parliament
The Knesset

Earlier today, Israel’s governing body, the Knesset voted 99-11 against any unilateral recognition of a Palestinian State. Here’s the text of the statement approved by the Knesset:

1. Israel utterly rejects international diktats regarding a permanent settlement with the Palestinians. A settlement, if it is to be reached, will come about solely through direct negotiations between the parties, without preconditions.

2. Israel will continue to oppose unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state. Such recognition in the wake of the October 7th massacre would be a massive and unprecedented reward to terrorism and would prevent any future peace settlement. (Jewish News Syndicate)

Prior to today’s vote in the Knesset, Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, made it clear that he strongly opposed any unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state when he said, “In the last few days we are witnessing a new type of pressure: An attempt to unilaterally impose upon us the establishment of a Palestinian state that would endanger the existence of Israel. We reject it outright. My position was and remains clear, and only got stronger after the terrible massacre of October 7th.” (Jewish News Syndicate)

What was the source of this “new type of pressure” that Netanyahu was referring to?

Last week, the Jewish News Syndicate reported that the Biden administration and “its Arab partners are ‘rushing’ to finalize the plan to establish a Palestinian state – a plan that could be announced in the next few weeks with hopes that a deal to release the remaining 134 hostages held by Hamas terrorists in Gaza in exchange for a six-week pause in fighting takes effect before Ramadan,” which begins on or around March 10th.

The Biden administration believes that a unilateral recognition of a Palestinian State may pave the way for normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia and other Arab states. At the same time, the White House is confident that a demilitarized Gaza can be achieved and maintained so that Israel’s security will never be threatened.

What precipitated the Knesset’s vote was the fact that the U.S. has not included Israel in its dialogue with other Arab nations. And the Knesset’s vote reflects the vast majority of Israeli Jews who are opposed to a Palestinian state after Israel was attacked by Hamas on October 7th.

During an interview this week on the Caroline Glick Show, Israeli Minister of Diaspora Affairs, Amichai Chikli said that “92% of Israeli Jews” are opposed to the establishment of a Palestinian state because they do not believe that Israel state can peacefully co-exist with a Palestinian state as its neighbor.

Question: What do Netanyahu, the Knesset, and the Israeli Jewish population recognize about the Palestinian problem that the Biden administration and the rest of the western world refuse to acknowledge?

Answer: The Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank do not want to peacefully co-exist with Israel because they are committed to a One-State Solution; a.k.a., Hitler’s “Final Solution” for the Jews, meaning the annihilation of the Jews.

During an interview earlier this month, Hamas Leader Khaled Mashal confirmed that Hamas and the majority of Palestinians reject any Two-State Solution when he said,

“I would like to say two things about the two-state solution. First, we have nothing to do with the two-state solution. We reject this notion, because it means you would get a promise for a state, yet you are required to recognize the legitimacy of the other state, which is the Zionist entity. This is unacceptable. We demand to be liberated, to get rid of the occupation, and to have our independence, and our state. . . I believe that October 7 has enhanced this conviction, has narrowed the disagreements, and has turned the idea of liberating Palestine from the River to the Sea into a realistic idea that has already begun. It is not something to be expected or hoped for. It is part of the plan, part of the agenda, and we are standing on its threshold, Allah willing” (MEMRI).

Netanyahu, the Knesset, and Israeli Jews get it. They understand that Israel will never have peace if terrorism is rewarded.

But let’s be clear, even if the U.S. were to officially recognize a new Palestinian state or refuses to veto its full membership by the U.N., do you honestly believe the likes of Iran or Hezbollah will quietly stand down and welcome the establishment of a Two-State Solution?

And if a new Palestinian state is demilitarized, do you honestly believe it will stay that way for very long? Who will keep the weapons out Gaza and make sure it stays that way? The United Nations? Hasn’t this been tried before in places like Iran? How well did is that working when it comes to monitoring Iran’s nuclear program?

Please join me in praying for the peace of Israel and the leaders of the United States.

by Dr. Matthew Dodd | February 21, 2024

What’s at the Heart of the Hatred for the Jews?

On Tuesday, February 13, the American Jewish Committee (AJC) published the survey results from their “2023 State of Antisemitism Report.” The AJC has been conducting similar surveys since 2019. This survey was conducted in the United States by telephone and online from October 5 – November 21, 2023. The nationally represented sample included 1,528 Jews who are 18 years of age or older. The survey results are deeply troubling.

The survey reported that “78 percent of respondents felt more insecure” following the Hamas terrorist attack against Israel on October 7, 2023. The survey also revealed that “63 percent of American Jews believe that their overall status in the US is ‘less safe’, compared with 41 percent in 2022 and 31 percent in 2021.”

Question: What’s really at the heart of antisemitism?

Answer: Spiritual Warfare.

The Apostle Paul wrote, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Eph. 6:12).

All forms of antisemitism have Satan as their source. Ever since the Fall of Adam and Eve, Satan has attempted to destroy the Messianic line that would ultimately defeat him (Gen. 3:15).

Bible scholar, Arnold Fruchtenbaum rightly observes,

“[A]ll anti-Semitic campaigns throughout Jewish history have been instigated by Satan. . . . Satan works on the principle that whomsoever the Lord loves, he will hate. God, throughout the Prophets and the New Testament, spelled out His eternal love for the people of Israel; therefore, Satan has had a perpetual war against the Jews, seeking to destroy them at every possible opportunity” (Arnold Fruchtenbaum, The Footsteps of the Messiah, third edition, Ariel Ministries. Kindle, loc. 8852).

Prior to the first advent of Jesus Christ, Satan tried to rid creation of the Jews through repeated attacks. For example, Satan attempted to exterminate the Jews through Pharoah’s order to kill all male infants born to Hebrew families (Exod. 1:15-16; 22). Later, Satan sought to end the Hebrew people through Haman’s nefarious plot against the Jews as recorded in Esther 3. Satan also tempted Jesus Christ in order to disqualify Him from being our Savior (Matt. 4:1-11).

But on the cross at Calvary, Jesus Christ not only sealed our victory over sin and death, He sealed Satan’s fate forever. The Apostle Paul triumphantly declared, “When He disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him” (Col. 2:15).

Though Satan’s future is sealed, he has not given up the fight. He wants to destroy Israel to prevent the return of Jesus Christ and the establishment of the Millennial Kingdom. Through antisemitic warfare, Satan seeks to remove Israel from the face of the earth so that there will not be a remnant from Israel for Christ to rule over. But again, Satan’s future is sealed. Jesus Christ will return as the “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS” (Rev. 19:16). And after the thousand-year reign of Christ, Rev. 20:10 states, “And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are also; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.”

As Christians, it is important for us to understand what is behind all forms of antisemitism. The truth is, we are in a real battle. This is spiritual warfare.

The Apostle Paul recognized there is a real war and that Satan is trying to eternally destroy those whom God loves. In his last letter to Timothy, Paul did not say, “I have danced the good dance.” Paul said, “I have fought the good fight” (2 Tim. 4:7).

We must rise up and do likewise. We must rise up and pray for Israel. We must rise up and reject all forms of antisemitism. We must also rise up and proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ because it is only through Jesus Christ that Israel and the world will be truly blessed. Will you please join me in praying for Israel and her people?

by Dr. Matthew Dodd | February 16, 2024

Russia, Iran, and the Battle of Gog and Magog

On Tuesday, February 13, it was reported that Russia and Iran are in the final stages of completing a long-term, comprehensive, strategic, partnership between the two nations. Russian Ambassador to Iran, Alexey Dedov told Sputnik, “This is truly the most important fundamental document, which may determine Russian-Iranian interaction for the coming years, and perhaps decades” (Al Mayadeen.net). Dedov also noted that “Russian energy companies are successfully working in the Iranian  market, while Russia has taken the first place in the foreign investment in Iran. . . This illustrates the real level of our relations.”

Last month Reuters reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi worked through the details of expanding the cooperation between the two nations on political, trade, and military fronts during five hours of talks in December of 2023. And last November, the Kremlin said that Russia was working with Iran to strengthen their relations, “including in the field of military-technical cooperation.” At that time, Reuters noted that Iranian authorities had said that “military cooperation with Russia is expanding day by day. . .” and that  “Iran. . . had finalized arrangements for Russia to provide it with Su-35 fight jets, Mi-28 attack helicopters and. . . pilot training aircraft.”

Both the United States and Israel have expressed concern about the deepening ties between Russia and Iran. This is due to the fact that Iran is committed to the destruction of the United States and Israel.

For example, less than a month after Iranian-backed Hamas terrorists murdered 1,200 Israelis, raped women and young girls, and took over 240 people hostage, Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khameni, declared, “The situation between America and Iran is this: When you chant ‘Death to America!’ it is not just a slogan – it is a policy. . . . “If it were not for America’s support, if it were not for the support of U.S. weapons, the corrupt and artificial Zionist regime [Israel] would have been destroyed in the first week. It would have collapsed. The Americans are behind this.”

By strengthening ties with Iran, Putin is sending a clear message to Israel, the United States, and the West. In fact, Putin’s upcoming treaty with Iran reinforces the message that he has been sending to Israel since October 7, 2023.

Though I have done so in a previous article, it’s worth reviewing what Putin has said and his government has done since Hamas attacked Israel on that horrific day in Israel’s history:

  • October 13, 2023 – Putin equated Israel’s blockade of the Gaza Strip with Hitler’s “siege of Leningrad during World War II.” (Jerusalem Post)
  • October 26, 2023 – Russia hosted representatives from Hamas and Iran in Moscow. The purpose of their meeting was to address the ongoing war with Israel and to discuss ways to stop the “Zionist crimes supported by the United States and the West.” The Times of Israel reported that the “Hamas delegation praised the position of Russian President Vladimir Putin, and the efforts of Russian diplomacy.”
  • November 1, 2023 – Russia’s representative to the United Nations said during an emergency special session of the UN General Assembly, “The only thing they can muster is continued pronouncements about Israel’s supposed right to self defense, although as an occupying power, it does not have that power. . .” (Jerusalem Post)
  • December 14, 2023 – Putin praised Turkish President Erdogan after Erdogan declared his support for Hamas and insisted that Hamas is “not a terrorist organization.” Putin said of Erdogan, “He is certainly one of the leaders of the international community who is paying attention to this tragedy and doing everything to change the situation for the better, to create conditions for long-term peace. God bless him.” (Breitbart)

Again, I ask, “Is Putin a friend of Israel?” Clearly the answer is “No!” But you might be wondering, “Why are these developments important when it comes to Israel and the events of the latter days?” Because Russia and Iran will play significant roles in the events leading up to the Great Tribulation.

As I shared yesterday during Episode 34 of the Blessors of Israel Podcast, the Battle of Gog and Magog will precede the Great Tribulation. During the Battle of Gog and Magog, there will be an alliance of nations against Israel which will be led by the leader of Russia, “Gog, prince of Rosh” (Ezek. 38:4). “Persia,” modern-day Iran, will be part of that alliance which will attack Israel “in the latter years” (Ezek. 38:5, 8). These nations will “devise an evil plan” against Israel and with overwhelming force “come like a storm. . . like a cloud covering the land” (Ezek. 38:9-10).

In the midst of this great opposition, God will come to Israel’s rescue and pour out His “blazing wrath” upon her foes in order to deliver Israel from certain destruction through a series of four cataclysmic judgments (Ezek. 38:18-23). Let’s look at them together.

First, God will send a “great earthquake in the land of Israel. . . and all the men who are on the face of the earth will shake at My [God’s] presence; the mountains also will be thrown down, the steep pathways will collapse and every wall will fall to the ground.”

Second, the invading armies will turn against each other because God will “call for a sword against him on all My [God’s] mountains. . . Every man’s sword will be against his brother.”

Third, God will send a deadly “pestilence” upon Israel’s enemies and “with blood I [God] will enter into judgment with him.”

Finally, God will rain down upon the invading armies “a torrential rain, with hailstones, fire and brimstone.”

God’s judgment against Israel’s enemies will be so severe that it will take Israel seven months to bury their enemies and seven years to gather and destroy their weapons (Ezek. 39:9-16). This divine deliverance will be in keeping with God’s promise to Abraham, “I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse” (Gen. 12:3).

So, the developments between Russia and Iran are setting the stage for the events prophesied by the prophet Ezekiel 2,600 years ago. And through it all, God will reveal Himself to Israel and the many nations so that they will know that He is the Lord (Ezek. 38:23).

Will you please join me in praying for Israel and for the leaders of the United States?

by Dr. Matthew Dodd | February 15, 2024

Does Iran Have All the Pieces for a Nuclear Weapon?

Sunday, February 11, 2024 was a significant day for Iran. First, the day marked the 45th anniversary of Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution. The Associated Press reported that thousands of Iranians took to the streets that were decorated with Iranian flags, balloons, and banners.

Iranians also chanted familiar slogans, slogans that have been frequently recited since the Iranian regime took control in 1979. What were those slogans? “Death to America” and Death to Israel.” As those traditional slogans were shouted, United States and Israeli flags were also burned. Then the celebration intensified as the crowd watched a paratrooper jump from a plane while displaying a Palestinian flag.

Many high-ranking Iranian officials joined the celebration in Tehran, including Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi. During his speech which was broadcasted to the nation via Iranian state television, Raisi called upon the United Nations to “expel the Zionist regime” and to stop Israel’s bombing of Gaza.

Second, later that same day, the former head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, Ali Akbar Salehi, was interviewed by Iranian state television and said, “We have all the (pieces) of nuclear science and technology. Let me give an example. What does a car need? It needs a chassis, it needs an engine, it needs a steering wheel, it needs a gearbox. Have you made a gearbox? I say yes. . .” (Associate Press).

By the way, Salehi’s comments on Sunday served to reinforce what he said the day before when he boasted, “We have it in our hands.”

Salehi’s comments prompted a warning earlier today from Rafael Mariano Grossi, the director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency. While speaking at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, Grossi sounded the alarm regarding Salehi’s admission and Iran’s lack of transparency. Grossi said that Iran is “presenting a face which is not entirely transparent when it comes to its nuclear activities. Of course this increases dangers. There’s loose talk about nuclear weapons more and more, including in Iran recently. A very high official said, in fact, ‘we have everything, it’s disassembled’” (Associated Press).

When it comes to Iran producing weapon-grade uranium, David Albright, a former United Nations weapons inspector in Iraq, recently said that Iran “would only need about a week to produce enough for its first nuclear weapon. It could have enough weapon-grade uranium for six weapons in one month, and after five months of producing weapon-grade uranium, it could have enough for twelve.” Albright also warned that “Western intelligence agencies may have less than two months to respond.”

Why should this matter to citizens of the United States, Israel, and their western allies? Because Iran is not only the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism, it is committed to the destruction of the United States and Israel; Sunday’s banners, slogans, and placards say it all.

And it appears that Israel’s war against Hamas has served to intensify and expedite Iran’s timeline for attempting to make it death slogans a reality.

On the evening of October 7, 2023, after Hamas terrorists murdered approximately 1,200 Israelis, raped women and young girls, beheaded and burned infants alive in front of their parents, and took roughly 240 people hostage, the Iranian regime hosted massive street parties in Tehran, provided free sweets and lemonade along with a fireworks display, as the Iranians chanted “Death to Israel” and “Death to America.” Less than a month later, Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khameni, declared, “The situation between America and Iran is this: When you chant ‘Death to America!’ it is not just a slogan – it is a policy. . . . “If it were not for America’s support, if it were not for the support of U.S. weapons, the corrupt and artificial Zionist regime [Israel] would have been destroyed in the first week. It would have collapsed. The Americans are behind this.”

Question: Why are these developments important when it comes to understanding the events of the latter days?

Answer: The prophetic stage is being set for the return of Jesus Christ at the end of the Great Tribulation.

One event that will precede the Great Tribulation is the Battle of Gog and Magog (Ezekiel 38-39). During the Battle of Gog and Magog, there will be an alliance of nations against Israel. According to the book of Ezekiel, “Persia,” modern-day Iran, will be part of an alliance that will attack Israel “in the latter years” (Ezek. 38:5, 8). These nations will “devise an evil plan” against Israel and with overwhelming force “come like a storm. . . like a cloud covering the land” (Ezek. 38:9-10).

But in response to this great opposition, God will come to Israel’s rescue and pour out His “blazing wrath” upon her foes in order to deliver Israel from certain destruction through a series of cataclysmic judgments (Ezek. 38:18-23). This divine deliverance will be in keeping with God’s promise to Abraham, “I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse” (Gen. 12:3).

So, it appears that the stage is being set for the events prophesied by the prophet Ezekiel 2,600 years ago. And through it all, God will reveal Himself to Israel and the many nations so that they will know that He is the Lord (Ezek. 38:23).

Will you please join in praying for Israel and for the leaders of the United States?

by Dr. Matthew Dodd | February 13, 2024

Who is Pulling the Puppet Strings in the Middle East?

Over the course of the last twelve months, a veil has been lifted in the Middle East and what is coming into focus is cause for great concern, for Israel, the United States, and the rest of the world.

It is clear that Communist China is pulling the puppet strings and asserting its agenda in the Middle East.

Let’s take a brief trip down memory lane to confirm it’s true.

In April of 2023, China brokered a peace deal between Saudi Arabia and Iran, two countries that had not had diplomatic relations since 2016.

Later that month, China inserted itself into the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians, offering to facilitate peace talks.

In June of 2023, China invited a delegation from Iran and Pakistan for joint counterterrorism talks. Delegates were optimistic that new initiatives would likely lead to increased peace and stability in the wider Middle East region as well as within the borders of their respective countries.

Then, two weeks after Hamas brutally attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, Communist Chinese’s President Xi Jinping, called for a cease fire and the establishment of a two-state solution when he said, “The top priority now is a ceasefire as soon as possible, to avoid the conflict from expanding or even spiraling out of control or causing a serious humanitarian crisis” (CNN).

Please note that President Xi did not condemn Hamas for its unprovoked, barbaric attack against Israel. In fact, China has refused to condemn Hamas for its October 7th slaughter of innocent Israeli citizens.

That said, China has repeatedly voted against Israel at the United Nations because it objects to Israel taking steps to ensure that Hamas will never be able to attack its citizens again.

Recently, there have been additional signs which confirm China’s role as the master Middle Eastern puppeteer.

On January 19, 2024, Breitbart reported that “A senior official from the Iran-backed Houthi terrorist army of Yemen told Russian media. . . that Russian and Chinese ships can pass safely through the Red Sea without fear of attack.”

Yet, the greatest confirmation of China’s control over the affairs of the Middle East occurred five days later when it was actually reported that the “Biden administration. . . asked top Chinese officials to pressure Iran to make its Houthi proxy terrorists in Yemen halt their attacks on the Red Sea shipping” (Breitbart).

The, on January 25, 2024, Reuters reported that “Chinese officials. . . asked their Iranian counterparts to help rein in attacks on ships in the Red Sea by the Iranian-backed Houthis, or risk harming business relations with Beijing.”

Reuters also reported that “Beijing made it clear it would be very disappointed with Tehran if any vessels linked to China were hit, or the country’s interests were affected in any way.”

Please notice that there wasn’t any mention of halting attacks on ships from the U.S. or western Europe.

Iran felt the pull from China’s puppet strings because Iran needs China and China knows it.

Earlier this week, it was reported that “China’s investments in Iran rose from $300 million to $3 billion within the last year. . . The prodigious increase in the amount of Chinese money circulating in Iran, the world’s foremost state sponsor of terrorism, is occurring as Beijing seeks a greater political role in the Middle East through both economic influences and alliances with anti-Israel and anti-American governments” (Breitbart).

China has one goal, global domination by 2049, the 100th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China. In light of China’s professed agenda, its influence in the Middle East is of serious concern.

China does not have allies, only puppets that it manipulates to achieve its objective. Therefore, this realignment of nations under China’s leadership will not serve to promote peace in the Middle East. Rather, it will promote China’s agenda at the expense of the nations of the Middle East, especially Israel. China is no friend of Israel.

Please join me in praying for the peace of Israel and for the leaders of the United States.

By Dr. Matthew Dodd | February 9, 2024

What Are Israel’s Future Borders?

Yesterday, the Jewish News Syndicate reported that Saudi Arabia “clarified that it will not establish diplomatic relations with Israel until there is a Palestinian state, an end to the war against Hamas and a complete military withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.”

The Saudi’s response was a direct counter to comments made on Tuesday by White House National Security Council spokesman, John Kirby.

During his daily briefing, Kirby struck an optimistic tone regarding normalization talks between Israel and the Saudis.

Kirby said, “We certainly received positive feedback from both sides that they’re willing to continue to have those discussions.”

The Saudi foreign ministry promptly issued the following statement clarifying its position regarding any future normalization talks with Israel:

“The Kingdom has communicated its firm position to the U.S. administration that there will be no diplomatic relations with Israel unless an independent Palestinian state is recognized on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, and that the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip stops and all Israeli occupation forces withdraw from the Gaza Strip.”

The Saudi’s stance not only stalls the Biden administration’s efforts to establish peace between its two Middle Eastern allies, it also signals that the Saudis have aligned themselves with China and Iran against Israel and the U.S.

If Israel were to agree to Saudi Arabia’s demands it would signal the beginning of the end of the state of Israel as we now know it.

First, Israel would have to return the land it won during the Six-Day War in 1967 when it was attacked by Egypt, Jordan, and Syria. At that time, Israel seized the Golan Heights from Syria, Jordan’s West Bank (i.e., Judea and Samaria) which included East Jerusalem, and Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula and Gaza Strip. Israel later withdrew from the Sinai Peninsula in 1982 and then from Gaza in 2005. Such a withdrawal would open the floodgates for the likes of Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Palestinian Authority, which are Iranian proxies, to mount an endless barrage of attacks against Israel.

Second, East Jerusalem, which includes Israel’s sacred Western Wall, would be handed over to the Palestinians and made the capital of the new Palestinian state.

Third, Israel would have to end its war against Hamas and remove its forces from Gaza. Once this happened, Iranian-backed Hamas terrorists would regroup and attempt to finish what it started on October 7, 2023, meaning from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea, Palestine will be free of the Jews.

While the demands by Saudi Arabia are troubling at best and the likelihood of Israel signing off is nil, let’s be clear, the Bible declares that one day, Israel’s borders will go well beyond the Jordan River. In fact, Israel’s border will extend to another river, the Euphrates River.

In Genesis 15, God established a Grant Covenant with Abram which means God bound Himself by an unconditional, unilateral oath to give the Promised Land to Abram and his descendants forever.

In verse 18, God declared what the borders of the Promised Land would be: “On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your descendants I have given this land, From the river of Egypt as far as the great river, the river Euphrates.”

God later confirmed the Promised Land borders to Moses in Deuteronomy 1:6-8 and then to Joshua in Joshua 1:4.

Let’s identify the borders that God promised to Israel through His covenant with Abram.

  • The western boundary is the “Great Sea” which is the Mediterranean Sea (Joshua 1:4).
  • The southern border is the Nile River in Egypt.
  • The eastern border is the Euphrates River.
  • The northern border is Lebanon.

In today’s context, what countries would be included in the borders listed in Genesis 15?

  • First, the territory currently occupied by the Palestinians, the West Bank and Gaza, is included.
  • Second, a portion of Egypt to the south.
  • Third, some of Saudi Arabia to the southeast.
  • Fourth, all of Jordan to the east.
  • Fifth, a portion of Iraq to the east.
  • Sixth, some of Syria to the north.
  • Lebanon to the north.
  • And possibly the southeastern portion of Turkey as you follow the Euphrates River north by northwest.

Question: Has Israel ever fully occupied these boundaries?

Answer: No. Some of the regions were controlled by King David and King Solomon but they were never fully possessed or occupied by Israel.

Question: Why didn’t Israel fully occupy the Promised Land according to the borders of Genesis 15?

Answer:  Because Israel failed to obey God’s command and allowed their enemies to remain in the Land which ultimately tempted them to sin against God by worshipping idols.

Question: Will Israel’s borders ever extend to what God promised Abram in Genesis 15?

Answer: Yes. Please remember that since God bound Himself by an oath, His promise to Abram must be fulfilled and it will be fulfilled when Jesus Christ returns to establish His Millennial Kingdom. During Christ’s 1,000-year reign, the Promised Land will experience peace, tranquility, and blessings as Jesus reigns on the throne of David from the capital city, Jerusalem.

What a glorious day that will be.

Will you please join me in praying for the return of Jesus Christ, the peace of Israel, and for the leaders of the United States?

by Dr. Matthew Dodd | February 8, 2024