Texe Marrs - "Power of Prophecy"

Recently a friend passed on to me a newsletter written by Texe Marrs entitled, "Power of Prophecy." One would think that this would be a biblically based foretelling of things to come, or an exhortation to look ahead. Instead the publication is full of conspiracy theories, the likes of which dwell, thrive and multiply on the fringe of faith and the edge of society. Not that truth cannot be found in such places. Quite the opposite, we know that "mainstream" is the enemy of truth, and makes God out to be a liar.

A long time ago I was talking to a non-Christian friend about matters of the end of it all. It was a passing comment about the way the world was going. Something I saw reminded me of the prophetic warning in Matthew 24. I offered to read it to her, but her reaction was swift - "I don't want to hear it!" The knowledge of the truth of God and the way things will be bring fear to some people. Not that they deny the truth of it, they just want to remain complacently calm and untroubled. Otherwise known as 'ignorant' or 'in the dark' - blind, actually.

The Bible is full of the warnings we need to hear. That chapter of Matthew says this: "You are going to hear the noise of battles close by and the news of battles far away; but do not be troubled. Such things must happen, but they do not mean that the end has come. Countries will fight each other; kingdoms will attack one another. There will be famines and earthquakes everywhere. "
(Mat 24:6-7)

So what's up with Texe Marrs? Well, first its pretty much all 'extra-biblical.' Meaning, he's not really taking scripture verses or passages and relating world events to how those passages are unfolding in our time. (A la Jack Van Imppe). 
Second, there are only apocalyptic claims, not solutions. Jesus always gave us a 'therefore' when he gave us a warning. There has to be some application or benefit from the book, other than just sensationalist knowledge. The purpose should go beyond raising suspicion and fear.
Third, the publication is quite anti-Israel. Claims that Isreal was behind the 911 terrorist attack on the U.S. are outrageous to me. That aside, there is a biblical caution to bless Israel. I do think this goes too far in some Christian circles. John Hagee, for example has made some extreme claims and goes to great lengths to partner with Rabbis and Jewish organizations. In some ways he seems to attempt to unite the two faiths. Paul does say, " He has made the two one", breaking down the wall that seperates us but that's in the context of those who believe in Jesus the Messiah.
Others in the Christian faith want to try and become Jewish - observing the feast days, wearing prayer shawls, learning Hebrew, celebrating Barmitzvahs, and so on and so on. Somewhere removed from these extremes is the guiding scripture: "I will bless those who bless you, and curse those who curse you." Israel is still God's beloved, and a chosen people. Beware of people who sensationally say, "Can Americans of the Jewish race be trusted?" (Vol 2008-07 Page 10). This is simply racism.

Doesn't extreme nationalism go against the faith? We are citizens of heaven. We are in this world, not of it. Love of the world is enmity with God. I believe in patriotism, trust me! I have a heart for nations and cultures that sometimes feels fit to explode, from something I don't fully understand that God has put in there. When I go to America, I love the American people. The culture, the manner, the land. God has a heart for nations. Its the blind and unwavering chauvinism that rubs me the wrong way. If America can do no wrong, but everyone in government of the country is corrupt, conspiring against God and the people, then it is America which is wrong. What are you trying to preserve and protect? Or what are you trying to regain?

Cutting to the chase ('cos I gotta go!): Texe Marrs is a chauvinistic, racist scaremonger. You won't miss much if you never read anything by him at all! Got your bible handy? Good! Give it a look.

God bless your day.