The rumblings from the middle east...........

[stephen]

So do you think this could be:

1) Precusrsor to some biblical events (like all of the muslim countries moving against Isreal in one quick swoop, as foretold in Daniel?

or,

2) Just another never-ending altercation between the parties?

So vote, and tell me why........

[Crunchyriff]

Sure this plays into end-time themes and prophecy.

That being said, it's all about Father God's timetable. He may have Jesus tarry another 50 years, 5 minutes, 10 days, 14 hours... etc.

Who knows?

Only HIM.

That being said, everything is pretty much in place for the end events to unfold... I would say that the time has never been as fertile for that to come to fruition as, it is now.

[reverbbb]

My guess is just the long line of conflicts. This is all driven by Satan and is the propagation of hatred that continues to plague the earth and mankind.

This could be prophecy. But my pastor pointed out this past Sunday, that EVERY generation since the early church felt that they were living in the end of times prophecy. What makes us sure that we are the chosen ones for this prophecy?

[Pearly Gator]

It's interesting how this started as a murder and kidnapping of a few Israeli soldiers to saber rattling by Syria and Iran and escallating strikes on a daily basis. . The Prez of Iran is calling for a genocide of the Jews. The UN is mysteriously silent on that point but, I digress...

I voted, "Not sure."

This could be leading to the battle that preceeds the rapture, including the destruction of Damascus, Syria.

"Thus saith the Lord; For three transgressions of Damascus, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they have threshed Gilead with threshing instruments of iron: But I will send a fire unto the house of Hazael, which shall devour the palaces of Benhadad. I will break also the bar of Damascus..." (Amos 1:3-5, KJV)

1948
1967
1973

That is 3 times.

If Syria (The house of Hazael. Hazael was placed as the King of Syria by Elisha) attacks Israel while this turmoil is going on, it is likely to be a very dramatic and decisive strike. Syria is well known to posess weaponized VX gas and other C/B weapons. It would not be a stretch for them to choose to use these weapons.

Even if Syria only made a massive conventional assault, it would not be at all unlikely that Israel would use a nuke. The act would definitively show the Arab world that there is no way at this time that they could ever do anything to Israel.

Something like this would be necessary for Israel to be at peace and unwalled so that the Gog/Magog prophesy could come to pass.

It is conspicuous, if not curious that Syria is absent from the list of nations that are part of G/M.

And one last thing. It is particular in the prophesies of the destruction of Damascus that the city would only ever be lived in by animals after its destruction, so whatever it is that does it, it is going to be VERY spectacular.

PG

[Barry]

I vote it's just another in a long line of disputes.

Since I'm not a Bible scholar, however, I also say better safe than sorry. If I'm incorrect (and I have been many times before), then better to be ready to go Home. Aren't we all supposed to be ready, anyway?

[Crunchyriff]

My guess is just the long line of conflicts. This is all driven by Satan and is the propagation of hatred that continues to plague the earth and mankind.

This could be prophecy. But my pastor pointed out this past Sunday, that EVERY generation since the early church felt that they were living in the end of times prophecy. What makes us sure that we are the chosen ones for this prophecy?


Well, the one missing piece that no-one had before, was the fulfillment of the prophecy of Israel being restored as a nation. (1948) The Bible says that the generation that lives to see that event, shall see the coming of the Lord. Nobody beforehand COULD have been rightfully expectant of Christ's return. We CAN.

That being said, it is folly to project a date and time. No-one knows that hour, except the Father, not even the Son.

[Pearly Gator]

Amen, Crunchy. We have the nation of Israel in our day.

The Fig Tree (http://www.guitaristpraiseforum.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=857&highlight=fig+tree)

[Crunchyriff]

Amen, Crunchy. We have the nation of Israel in our day.

The Fig Tree (http://www.guitaristpraiseforum.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=857&highlight=fig+tree)

Like bardani, I'm not bible scholar either, but ya know, this is significant marker on the road to Christ's return... Highly significant, and many people miss it when trying to make sense of it all- trying to gauge where we are at on God's end-time menu, as it were. Now we can meander & grouse about just what the word "generation" means in the biblical context of its application here- does it mean a true 30-100 year timeframe or not (and this is where a true scholar can help) but aside from that, we surely shouldn't miss this point.

This is the last event that needed to be fulfilled before "in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye..."

[Diana J.]

Gator, Did you just say Israel, if attacked in a major way,
would be justified in using nuclear weapons? And that this
would "show the Arab world that nothing could ever touch
IsraeL"? That seems truely scarey to me.

[Pearly Gator]

Welcome, Diana j. :-)

Gator, Did you just say Israel, if attacked in a major way,
would be justified in using nuclear weapons? (snip)

(Emphasis added.)

No, I did not say they would be justified. I said if C/B weapons were used against them (first) by Syria it would not be unlikely.

We do know from history that God has not yet wiped out Damascus, in fulfillment of the prophecy of Amos. We all need to watch the news in light of scripture and not the other way around.

PG

[reverbbb]

Diana J.

If I am reading Gator's post correctly, he is not saying that a nuke attack from Isreal is "justified" (though it may be implied). He is merely speculating that they are likely to launch an aggressive defensive that may include nukes.

It is all too scary. I pray that God guides the leaders to make the right choices and decissions that leads to long term peace. However, if this is God's will, then we have no say in the matter.

Along these same lines of the poll, do you think that some of these events are propagated by self-predestination? I think there was a movie recently that explores this concept. Is it posible that the hatred in the region is the basis for the prophecy in the first place and that establishing Isreal as a nation manifested the hatred that people tend to parallel with scripture?

The saddest thing that I find in all of this is the lump summing of the people at large into the catagory of the nations. For instance, the news is notorious about saying "Iran and Syria seem to be joining forces against the Isrealis.". What they really mean is that the few governing leaders are willing to take their citizens into battle without their conscent. I saw on the news where the people of Lebanon are extremely distraught about being drug into this war. They don't like being bombed by Isreal's army. Yet, individually, they did nothing to warrant this involvement.

[Crunchyriff]

I read that post 3x, and in no way did he say a NUKE would be justified, nor did he allude to that in my view.

That being said, aside from the usual politics of Nuclear Weapon use, you've gotta consider Israel's postion both militarily and geographically speaking. They are the equivalent of a poodle surrounded by pittbulls on steroids. Every single nation surrounding them generally hates their guts- (and that two rows deep) & they have no immediate allies in the region. Considering Syria's probable intentions, and more importantly, their capacity to obliterate the population of Israel...well, If I was them, and through my intelligence network I determined with high confidence that Syria was going all out and using the nasty stuff on me; I'd darn sure strike preemptively if possible, and probably with Nukes.

You want to hit a bully right between the eyes so hard that the thought of beating you up never, EVER crossed his little mind again. This is NOT the peace of Christ, but it is a harsh reality of the fallen world in which we live.

[stephen]

Hey Diana J, welcome to the forum!

I concur, I didnt read "justified" into what PG wrote, but rather highly plausible that in todays world, they would strike hard, and strike to finish the battle ASAP.

Crunchy, I like your analogy, but I would tweak it a bit: A tea-cup Chihuaha, surrounded by ravenous, rabid Rotweilers, ............. on steroids!

If some are not familiar with the region, get a chance to pull up a modern day map, and you will see how miniscule Isreal is, and how surrounded by arab/muslim nations they are (and even the "friendly ones" with Isreal, would probably covertly root for an attack, or overtly celebrate their demise), and then the fourth side is the sea.

But look at their size: We have some large cities here in the USA that are bigger than that! That is the "Massive Occupation" that the arab countries are always crying about! Trust me on this, if Isreal where able to return all the lands that they won in wars, back to the arab's, they would still cry out that the Jews are still occupying their territory.

[Ravindave_3600]

Gator, Did you just say Israel, if attacked in a major way,
would be justified in using nuclear weapons? And that this
would "show the Arab world that nothing could ever touch
IsraeL"? That seems truely scarey to me.

Hi Diana! Welcome!

[Crunchyriff]

Crunchy, I like your analogy, but I would tweak it a bit: A tea-cup Chihuaha, surrounded by ravenous, rabid Rotweilers, ............. on steroids!


I concede the gross understatement I made... well done, Stephen!

[Diana J.]

In September of last year I went on a mission trip to
Srebrenica Bosnia. That is the site of the 1995 massacre
of 10,000 Muslims by the Serb army, while they were
supposedly being protected by the UN in a safe-zone.
We built 2 single stall barns made of concrete block with
tile roofs for retuning Muslim families. On sept 11 we
toured the memorial site where they have buried the
identified remains that have been removed from mass
graves. Everybody on our team cried.
Many of the people we met claimed to be athiests.
This is their way of saying " I am neutral.
I am against this warring and take no sides".
But I think it is sad they have to throw away God to
take this stand. But that trip made a lasting impression
on me. I truely believe all people are created equal.
And I think the Holy Spirit is active, at some level, in all
religions.
Hope I'm still welcome in your forum!
Love, Diana

[Pearly Gator]

Diana J., you are most welcome here. :grin:

I recall hearing somewhere that more people have been killed since 1900 than in all the wars combined in all of history. This seems to say that Satan knows he has little time.

We all agree in Christ that people are not our enemies. As The Apostle Paul explained, Ephesians 6:12, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."

God's #1 job is saving souls. Sadly, Satan's #1 job is destroying them. It is sad to hear about what you saw in Bosnia. I know the sight must have been horrible. Still, God has a plan. It's a plan that includes you, me and every soul that knows Christ as Lord.

God bless you and your family,

Gary

[reverbbb]

Many of the people we met claimed to be athiests.
This is their way of saying " I am neutral.
I am against this warring and take no sides".
But I think it is sad they have to throw away God to
take this stand.

Hope I'm still welcome in your forum!
Love, Diana

This is a very important message that you just wrote. I totally agree that it is VERY sad when people are forced to choose 'neutral' for the sake of their lives and livelihood.

I am certain that you have a lot of wisdom and love of Christ in your heart. Please continue to bless us with your posts and insight.

[Jaybo]

Yet, individually, they did nothing to warrant this involvement.

It is a bit of a blanket statement to go with either way.

They are not totally responsible, yet not without responsiblity either. And...neither are we!

There are large portions of their country who support directly, and indirectly, or are indifferent about the terrorist actions. That makes them responsible.

The Yugoslavian issue is a little deaper than the Middle east issue.

It was about much more that Muslims vs. Non-Muslims.

Everybody hated everybody. The communists were hated. Then you had the Serbs, Croats, Kosovar's, Bosnian's ALL not getting along. States wanting to gain independance, economic crisis.

It wasn't "hey let's go kill Muslims", or "Destroy the Zionist pigs".

And the middle eastern crisis isn't that either. Fully.

I think the point about self-predestination is valid.

The Israelis believing they are the "chosen people" and Muslims thinking the same thing. Thinking that God is ONLY on their side, and thusly their actions are okay.

[Michael_Mui]

Sometimes it's getting very tired seeing their childish behaviour.
And sometimes I feel like, who cares, let them kill among themselves and wipe themselves all out from this earth ....... God forgive me! :cry:

[Brian]

Many of the people we met claimed to be athiests. This is their way of saying " I am neutral. I am against this warring and take no sides". But I think it is sad they have to throw away God to take this stand. But that trip made a lasting impression on me. I truely believe all people are created equal. And I think the Holy Spirit is active, at some level, in all religions. Hope I'm still welcome in your forum! Love, DianaHi Donna. Hope you're still with us and Thanks for your post. I would disagree that the Holy Spirit is active in all religions (John 10:27, John 14:6), however I would say that He can work (affect change) in all men and women whom He chooses even before their confession of Christ as Lord and Savior and His promised indwelling.

[Diana J.]

Morning brings another day
and still theres nothing changed
been about a thousand years
and everythings still the same

Now I could tell you lots of stories
but really theres just one
Everyday the sun comes up
and everyone hates everyone

Pray for Peace and God is Love
Hear what the Holy Books say
But people can only give what they've got
and all we've got is hate

The men they drop their bombs on us
and the children all throw rocks
The women cry and hide their faces
I wonder what God thinks of us

Some of us say theres no God
You say thats a tragedy
but those of us who won't take sides
say Gods another casualty

Morning brings another day
and still theres nothing changed
Been at least a thousand years
and everythings still the same

[MDK2323]

They are the equivalent of a poodle surrounded by pittbulls on steroids. Every single nation surrounding them generally hates their guts- (and that two rows deep) & they have no immediate allies in the region.

I wouldn't say a poodle, I'd say a very nasty Rottweiler that is much bigger than the pitbulls, with much sharper teeth. I mean, thier military is world-class, they have the best air force in the world, and they are light years beyond anything that the Arab nations can come up with. And that's not even to mention God's blessing and protction, which trumps anything that anyone in the universe can dish out.

I'd put my money on Israel over anybody in the world.

What about this red heifer business, and re-building Solomon's temple? Is there any significance to that stuff needing to happen before the Lord saddles up some clouds?

[stephen]

What about this red heifer business, and re-building Solomon's temple? Is there any significance to that stuff needing to happen before the Lord saddles up some clouds?

There are a few groups that already have the plans drafted to rebuild the temple mount. All they gotta do is level the dome, and that wont happen as long as the muslims are around, armed, and dangerous. My money says, the muslim threat has to be taken out iof the way first, for this to happen. The book af Daniel says that 5/6ths of the muslim countries population will move against Isreal, but God will wipe them out before they set foot on Isreali ground. Not even there weapons fired will harm any inhabitants, cattle or grain. And the fuel from there weapons will last Isreal for 7 years to come.

I saw a report here on a news channel a while back, that showed howe a cattle breeder had somehow brought back the red heifer. I dont recall if there was anything involving genetics and dna, but I figure it must have, cause the red heifer, if I'm not mistaken, has been gone for quite some time.

Things are lining up, but were still not there yet. So we still got time to go out and tell everyone about Jesus!

[John316]

Late to post but I'll add my two cents. ;)

It may appear to be another dispute but let's also remember Ezekiel 38 & 39 too.

[Crunchyriff]

I wouldn't say a poodle, I'd say a very nasty Rottweiler that is much bigger than the pitbulls, with much sharper teeth. I mean, thier military is world-class, they have the best air force in the world, and they are light years beyond anything that the Arab nations can come up with. And that's not even to mention God's blessing and protction, which trumps anything that anyone in the universe can dish out.

I'd put my money on Israel over anybody in the world.

What about this red heifer business, and re-building Solomon's temple? Is there any significance to that stuff needing to happen before the Lord saddles up some clouds?

In looking back on this I didn't respond at the time- MDK, you are right-on about Israel's capability- but in the overall view of things they certainly appear to be the underdog. What I'm saying is, they don't have many natural allies.

I'll put my $$ on israel too, because as you said, they have God's blessing, and are the apple of His eye. But in the natural view of things, they are well outnumbered.

BTW- ever have a poodle? They can be intensely NASTY creatures.

[refin]

Poodles are nasty..............and wussies when it comes to protection.
Call their bluff and they will retreat.

[Crunchyriff]

Mostly, I'd agree. A few I've seen though, were fierce little dogs. To up the ante just a tad, I once met a particular Std Poodle that was the antithesis of the word "wussie." To make matters worse, these are NOT small dogs.

Most Dogs you can bluff. Some you can't & some of these are small ones, too. I used to be a meter reader...

[stryperfan]

i think that there are real danger signs on the horizon from the blood faith that muslims believe in,we as Christians have to make a stand and not bow down to their fearfull attempts of imposing there will upon us,in my oppinion we will win through in the end with Christ by our sides,

BLOOD THISTY RELIGIOUS DOCTORINE WILL NEVER OVERCOME THE LOVE AND LIGHT THAT WE BRING FORTH,we must keep our faith and continue to spread the word of Jesus and the peace to be found within his teachings,the world we live in now in my mind is the way to separate the wheat from the chaff,

all those who are true to GOD will be rewarded in eternal peace,those who make false representations will be cast aside,we must learn to love now in order to reap heavens eternal reward,and all false phrophets shall fall by there own actions and words,

[scooteraz]

Frankly, I don't have a clue. On one hand, you have all the "prophetic events". On the other hand, you have the precedent of thousands of years of history, and the end times never came. As was noted earlier, only God knows the hour and the day.

So, I watch as an interested observer. But, significance to me personally, I think is pretty small. Don't we have to live each day as though it were our last. I had a friend who died recently. Everybody thought it was a heart attack, but it turned out his aorta unzipped! Bled out internally literally in seconds. No one knew he had a weak aorta. Just dropped over, dead. Luckily, he had know Christ for years. You may think this part of this post off topic, but let me try to tie it back.

Other than some desire to be there at the end times, how does the question of this thread really make any difference to us? As believers, we have a curiosity about what is happening. But, for generations ahead of us (and maybe generations behind) the actual date of the end of the world has had NO meaning. It is how they died, that is, were they in the knowledge of Christ and had they accepted Him, or not? It is the same for us whether we are in the end times, or not.

An interesting diversion, perhaps, but in the end (pun intended) probably not personally important to any of us, or our faiths.

[Crunchyriff]

I believe it IS important to us. After all, John was given the book of Revelation by Jesus on Patmos, and we are encouraged to read it; & Daniel was shown the End-times centuries prior to John.

In Amos 3:7 it reads:
"Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets" (NIV)

That the Lord dispenses the knowledge ahead of time tells me, at least, that these things are highly significant... Jesus thought so enough to tell us about them. :)

[scooteraz]

I believe it IS important to us. After all, John was given the book of Revelation by Jesus on Patmos, and we are encouraged to read it; & Daniel was shown the End-times centuries prior to John.

In Amos 3:7 it reads:
"Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets" (NIV)

That the Lord dispenses the knowledge ahead of time tells me, at least, that these things are highly significant... Jesus thought so enough to tell us about them. :)

So, was it important to all the saints before us? Was it something they should have concentrated on at length?

Here is my point. Christ told us those things, among others. In order of importance, the book of Revelation, other than telling us that there will be an end time and that Jesus wins, has historically been pretty small. It is the rest of how to live and believe that is more important. For instance, "go and baptize all nations..." is arguably more important to the departed saints (and should be to us) than the Seraphim and how many seals there are on the scrolls. A number of religions have fixated on the 144,000, but I would argue that "love your neighbor as yourself" is a much more important item for us.

Further, prophesy seems easiest to discern when, in the fullness of time, God shows his plan. In Jesus' time there were many Talmudic scholars who loved God and studied His word day and night. But, if there was one that put together what God's plan of salvation was before the death and resurrection of Christ, I have yet to hear of it. But now, after the event, we can put it all together. I agree it is all there, but how it will fit together is beyond all of us.

I am NOT arguing that the book of Revelation is unimportant from a scholarly interest viewpoint; it is interesting as geopolitics both of Roman times as well as ours, if nothing else. Nor am I saying that all study of Revelations is wasted. I just think we waste a bunch of time worrying about or obsessing over whether this is indeed the end times of the Earth. For it is always OUR personal end times coming closer.

[Crunchyriff]

I would agree that "how to live" is of utmost importance. But so is the apple of God's eye- Israel. That hasn't waned one bit... at least in God's view according to His word.

It's ALL important. That said, my focus is first on Jesus, secondarily, everything else.

I just can't relegate the middle-east issues as "yawn, oh yeah, that place." We are to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. IMHO, our western culture Christianity has thrown a wet blanket on the heritage (and rich culture) Jesus afforded us, not only through his blood, but through the Jews. Jesus was a Jew. IN all this, I think it's very important to keep up on what is going on over there. After all, Jesus will eventually set his feet once again on the Mount of Olives- not NYC, not America, not anywhere else.

The Land given to Abraham and his seed (and the gentiles grafted-in) will be so forevermore. :D

[Strat-tastic]

Jesus was a Jew.

He still is. Now there's a discussion for the doctrine thread..... ;)

[Micter]

.Further, prophesy seems easiest to discern when, in the fullness of time, God shows his plan. In Jesus' time there were many Talmudic scholars who loved God and studied His word day and night. But, if there was one that put together what God's plan of salvation was before the death and resurrection of Christ, I have yet to hear of it.

Isaiah foretold the death of Christ (Isaiah 53)

Jesus made it known what would happen and yes he is Prophetic. I think the scripture Mark 4:11-12 comes into play here. God chose not to reveal it to keep the Prophetic words of Isaiah (chapter 6) true. I think God did reveal it to previous generations but the generation of Jesus' time missed it to fulfill scripture.

The foolish things to confound the wise my friend.


Oh and this thread was resurected from the dead! 3 years?

[scooteraz]

Isaiah foretold the death of Christ (Isaiah 53)

Jesus made it known what would happen and yes he is Prophetic. I think the scripture Mark 4:11-12 comes into play here. God chose not to reveal it to keep the Prophetic words of Isaiah (chapter 6) true. I think God did reveal it to previous generations but the generation of Jesus' time missed it to fulfill scripture.

The foolish things to confound the wise my friend.


Oh and this thread was resurected from the dead! 3 years?

Oh, you know, I should know to look at a thread and see if it is recently resurrected when I reply. Oh well, mea culpa (not the first or last time I have uttered those words).:embarassed:

I agree that the generation of Christ did not have understanding. But I am betting that they hung around the temple and debated the meaning of Isaiah 53. And I am guessing they also did that instead of doing things in their lives that would have made more difference. That is my point here. Is is not that I am disinterested. It is that I don't know, and probably do not have a chance of getting the details right on the prophesy until after the event.

So, I try to concentrate on what is the main message of the Bible, and leave the prophesy to others. Don't really mind debating, but I feel we are all debating from a position of ignorance. And, I am comfortable with Jesus handling the details of how the prophesy plays out.

3 years, 3 days. Interesting symmetry.

[Micter]

Oh, you know, I should know to look at a thread and see if it is recently resurrected when I reply. Oh well, mea culpa (not the first or last time I have uttered those words).:embarassed:

I agree that the generation of Christ did not have understanding. But I am betting that they hung around the temple and debated the meaning of Isaiah 53. And I am guessing they also did that instead of doing things in their lives that would have made more difference. That is my point here. Is is not that I am disinterested. It is that I don't know, and probably do not have a chance of getting the details right on the prophesy until after the event.

So, I try to concentrate on what is the main message of the Bible, and leave the prophesy to others. Don't really mind debating, but I feel we are all debating from a position of ignorance. And, I am comfortable with Jesus handling the details of how the prophesy plays out.

3 years, 3 days. Interesting symmetry.

1 Corinthians 12:28 (King James Version)

28And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.


Not everyone has the gift of prophecy!

[Crunchyriff]

He still is. Now there's a discussion for the doctrine thread..... ;)

heheheh yeah!!

[stephen]

Time to resurrect this thread again!

Radical Muslims rising up in revolt in Egypt (and appearing to have won), Tunisia, Libya, Jordan, and others.....

Looks like the Muslim's are gathering control of all the surrounding Arab countries.

Any thoughts on what one of the first things is they will do, once they all take control of those countries?

[scooteraz]

Well, will all of the Sunnis and Shia set aside their differences, or will those still be simmering just below the surface? And will the various clerics be more religious or will they be more interested in power? And will the people feel more free under strict Sharia, or just differently repressed?

I don't have answers to those questions, but I thoughts on the various permutations of possibilities...

[stephen]

Well, will all of the Sunnis and Shia set aside their differences, or will those still be simmering just below the surface? And will the various clerics be more religious or will they be more interested in power? And will the people feel more free under strict Sharia, or just differently repressed?

I don't have answers to those questions, but I thoughts on the various permutations of possibilities...

I heard a Muslim say, "the enemy of my enemy is my friend, even if there is enmity between us."

Shia, Sunni, whirly-derbi's, all HATE Israel and the Jews. They are friends, and will rise up in one accord to strike at her.

[scooteraz]

I heard a Muslim say, "the enemy of my enemy is my friend, even if there is enmity between us."

Shia, Sunni, whirly-derbi's, all HATE Israel and the Jews. They are friends, and will rise up in one accord to strike at her.

They do say that, and sometimes actually act that way. And might again; but then again, they might find their internecine rivalries just way too "interesting" to focus on the common enemy.

[LesStrat]

Is this another "sign"?

Who knows? Yet we should live as though it is.

:pray:

[scooteraz]

Is this another "sign"?

Who knows? Yet we should live as though it is.

:pray:

Amen

[BuckyB]

They do say that, and sometimes actually act that way. And might again; but then again, they might find their internecine rivalries just way too "interesting" to focus on the common enemy.

Internecine - great word Scoot! I was flumoxxed at first when I read it.

[Micter]

It's all lining up according to scripture. IMO