I am not defending anyone, but every country has true Israel in it (I hope and believe), because true Israel above is free. Jerusalem is part of Israel, so I use the following verse to show that if there is a Jerusalem above, then there is an Israel above.
Galatians 4:25-27King James Version (KJV)[SUP]25 [/SUP]For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.
[SUP]26 [/SUP]But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.
[SUP]27 [/SUP]For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband.
The mother of us all... wonderful words.
1 Thessalonians 2:6-8King James Version (KJV)[SUP]6 [/SUP]Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.
[SUP]7 [/SUP]But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:
[SUP]8 [/SUP]So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.