Egypt's president, top general ready to die

CAIRO -- Egypt’s president and its top general both said they were ready to die Wednesday as the struggle for power in the country neared its climax amid fears of civil war.

The military gave President Mohammed Morsi until around 5 p.m. local time Wednesday (11 a.m. ET) to meet the demands of protesters calling for his ouster. Monday's 48-hour ultimatum has been widely interpreted as a call for the Islamist to quit and some of Morsi's supporters have denounced it as a "military coup."

The Egyptian army chief has given the country's first democratically elected president, Mohammed Morsi, until Wednesday to reach a deal, or else the military will reportedly dissolve parliament, suspend the constitution and create an interim government with new elections. As of Tuesday night, Morsi has refused to stand down. NBC's Richard Engel reports.

Sixteen people were killed in clashes with security forces at Cairo University overnight, the Ministry of Health said.

Millions have taken to the streets in recent days with opposition protesters seeking Morsi's ouster at times clashing with supporters of Morsi's Muslim Brotherhood and security forces. At least 16 were killed and hundreds were injured during massive weekend demonstrations marking one year since Morsi's election.

“I am prepared to sacrifice my blood for the sake of the security and stability of this homeland,” Morsi said in a 45-minute speech that ran past midnight local time into Wednesday.

The army responded early Wednesday with a Facebook post titled “The Final Hours.”

The post on the official Facebook page of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF), headed by Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, read: "The Commander of the Armed Forces said that it is an ‘honor’ for us to die rather than for the Egyptian people to be threatened or terrorized. We swear to God to sacrifice with our blood for Egypt and its people against any terrorist, extremist, or ignoramus ...  Long live Egypt and its proud people."

If Morsi does not meet the protesters' demands by Wednesday, the military has said it will impose its own “road map” for the future.

The demonstrators insist Morsi must call fresh elections and stand down to allow a temporary government to take over.

Slideshow: Cairo protests turn deadly

Suhaib Salem / Reuters

The headquarters of Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood was ransacked as widespread protests against President Mohammed Morsi turned violent.

Launch slideshow

The anti-government protesters in Cairo's Tahrir Square have feted the army for stepping in and President Barack Obama and the United Nations have urged Morsi to listen to Egypt's people.

In Wednesday's speech, Morsi accused loyalists of his predecessor Hosni Mubarak – “remnants of the old regime” - of fighting against democracy and challenging his leadership through the current wave of protests.

His democratic election and the legitimacy it enshrined were the main themes of a speech, during which Morsi’s tone often grew loud and passionate.

In his address, he also asked Egyptians not to confront the military or use violence against its forces, the police or the interior ministry.

I truly have been exposed to hearing evil in this world, but despite the wickedness there is HOPE. Are you good enough to go to Heaven? Answer honestly: Have you ever lied, stolen (regardless of value), or looked with lust? Jesus said "whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." God is Holy. Imagine a man in a courtroom; a criminal guilty of serious crimes. He is tried, convicted, and sentenced to life or a fine of a MILLION DOLLARS. when the judge steps down and pays his fine! Even though he's still guilty, his fine has been paid and justice has been satisfied! The judge was both merciful and just. Jesus died for sinners. 

While fully God and fully man, Jesus lived a sinless life. In love He took the wrath of God and penalty for sin on Himself on the Cross. Then He rose from the grave, showing the penalty paid. What should you do? God commands you to repent and trust in Jesus ALONE. Don't trust in "good works.? Cry out to God for mercy and put your faith in Jesus, confessing and forsaking sins. God can change your heart so you can desire Holiness. Make peace with God today; you may not have tomorrow. Eternity is worth much more than a MILLION DOLLARS!

the Lord Jesus Christ, who is God, and is the ONLY way to heaven. Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6) But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9) He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. (Proverbs 28:13) I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. (Luke 13:3) And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: (Acts 17:30) Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: (Hebrews 12:14) May we all prepare for Jesus in repentance and holiness. If you need a bible please contact me, God loves you.