Israel Will ‘Stand’ [v297]

NOVEMBER 2023

All of the world is watching the escalation of the war in Israel, wondering if it will turn into a broader war that will envelope the entire Middle East. Some people are wondering if Israel will be able to ‘STAND’ against its surrounding enemies and be able to successfully defend itself and ‘survive’.

INTRODUCTION
The conflict Israel has had with its ‘neighbors’ in the Middle East has been happening for many decades—even centuries. In ‘recent’ times—since Israel’s ‘statehood’ in 1948—there have been many ‘major’ conflicts:

– 1948: Israel proclaims its independence. Less than 24 hours later, the armies of Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq invaded Israel.

– 1956: Israel invades Egypt over terrorist attacks from the Gaza Strip against civilian Israelis, and then joined Britain and France to invade them over Nassar’s decision to try to nationalize the Suez Canal.

– 1967: The Six-Day War erupts, and Israel captures the West Bank, Gaza, the Golan Heights, East Jerusalem, and the Sinai Peninsula.
– 1973: Egypt and Syria launch surprise attacks on Israel starting the “Yom Kippur War.” It ends after several weeks.

– 1982: Israel invades Lebanon to drive out the PLO militants based there on the Israel border.

– 2006: Israel responds to over 4,000 rockets fired at civilian targets in Israel.

– 2008: Following Israel’s 2005 withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and four settlements in the northern West Bank, and the election of Hamas in 2007, terrorism against Israel increased.

Thousands of rockets have been fired into southern Israel from the Gaza Strip, resulting in property damage and both physical and psychological injury to the population living in the south. Israel was forced to take military action in the form of Operation Cast Lead

– 2014: A seven-week conflict between Israel and Hamas leaves over 2,200 Palestinians and 73 Israelis dead.

– 2023: After Hamas launched attacks into Israel (on October 7) over 1,400 people were killed, over 6,900 injured, and over 240 people were taken hostage, Israel declared war on Hamas.

So, if the conflict escalates into a broader war—that will include all of Israel’s ‘sworn’ enemies in the Middle East—will this be the ‘FINAL’ WAR for Israel, one that they will NOT BE ABLE TO ‘WIN’?

[ PHOTO: Rockets Coming Into Israel (AFP/Getty – The Guardian) ]

<<< TABLE OF CONTENTS >>>

HISTORY OF ISRAELI WARS
TIMELINE

‘LIES’ ABOUT ISRAEL
ACCUSATIONS
– “OCCUPIER”
– “APARTHEID STATE”
– “GENOCIDAL INTENTIONS”
– “EXECUTING PALESTINIANS”
– “USES EXCESSIVE FORCE”
– “USES ‘DISPROPORTIONAL’ FORCE”
– “WAR CRIMES”
– “STAGNATING THE PEACE PROCESS”
– “THERE IS NO PALESTINIAN STATE”
– “TRYING TO CHANGE THE TEMPLE MOUNT STATUS QUO”
– “TRYING TO DESTROY AL-AKSA MOSQUE”
– “A SURGE IN SETTLEMENT CONSTRUCTION”
– THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CONFLICT IS THE “PRIMARY PROBLEM IN THE MIDDLE EAST”

‘TRUTHS’ ABOUT ISRAEL
PERFORMS ‘REAL’ HUMAN RIGHTS
NOT AN “APARTHEID STATE”
NO “ETHNIC CLEANSING”
‘DISENGAGED’ FROM GAZA FOR PEACE
LAND ‘PURCHASES’
A LONG HISTORY OF “NO”
AN ”ALTERNATIVE UNIVERSE”
CURRENT ‘ENVIRONMENT’
WHAT GOD ‘SAYS’

ISRAEL WILL ‘STAND’
[VIDEO] Netanyahu saying, “Israel will stand”
ISRAEL’S ‘FINAL’ WAR?

THIS IS A ‘SPIRITUAL’ BATTLE
THE ‘LAND’ IS NOT THE ISSUE
GLOBAL ‘ANTISEMITISM’

GOD’S ‘CHOSEN’ PEOPLE
– I ‘CHOSE’ YOU
– THE ’BURDEN’ OF BEING CHOSEN

JESUS IS THE ‘ONLY’ ANSWER

BIBLICAL ‘PROPHECY’
PROPHETIC ‘TIMELINE’
‘CHRONOLOGICAL’ ORDER OF EVENTS

‘PROPHETIC’ WARS
Dr. David Reagan, founder of “Lamb and Lion Ministries,” wrote a book earlier this year titled, “9 Wars of the End Times.” The following is his list:
– Psalm 83 War
– Gog and Magog
– “World War III” (Conventional; “Seal Judgements”)
– Continuing “World War III (Morphs into nuclear war)
– War in Heaven (Michael/Angels vs. Satan)
– Antichrist’s annihilation of the Jews (Revelation 12)
– Antichrist’s Middle East War (Daniel 11)
– Battle of Armageddon (Zechariah 14)
– Second Gog and Magog War

PSALM 83
“GOG AND MAGOG” WAR

THE ‘TRIBULATION’
– The Wrath Of God
– Jewish People Coming To Know Jesus As Their Messiah
– Gentiles Coming To Know Jesus As Their Savior
– Jesus’ Second Coming

THE ‘ARMAGEDDON’ CAMPAIGN
– Allies Assemble For War
– Commercial Babylon Is Destroyed
– Jerusalem Is Ravaged
– Antichrist Moves Against The Remnant
– Israel Is Regenerated
– Jesus Returns (The “Second Coming”)
– The Final Battle Erupts
– The Faithful Remnant Returns To Israel
– The Victory Ascent To The Mount Of Olives
– The Resurrection Of The Jewish Saints

THE ‘MILLENNIUM’
– Millennial Government
– Restored Jerusalem
– Fourth Temple

‘CONVERGENCE’
‘SIGNS’ OF THE “END TIMES”

GOT YOUR ATTENTION YET?

THE ONLY ‘WAY’ TO PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST
PEACE ‘WITH’ GOD
PEACE ON EARTH

JESUS IS ‘COMING’—TWO TIMES!
THE “RAPTURE”
THE “SECOND COMING”
– The ‘Final’ Battle Erupts
– Victory ‘Ascent’ To The Mount Of Olives

HOW TO ‘PREPARE’
JESUS WILL COME LIKE A ‘THIEF’
THE “BLESSED HOPE”

WRAP-UP
‘SPINNING’ OUT OF CONTROL?
ONGOING ‘SPIRITUAL’ CONFLICT
THE ‘ROLE’ OF ISRAEL IN THE END TIMES
THE FINAL ‘SCENE’ SETUP
WHAT’S ‘NEXT’?
BE ‘READY’!

‘STAND’ WITH ISRAEL
– God ‘Loves’ Israel
– God’s ‘Chosen’ People
– God Will ‘Bless’ Those Who Bless Israel
– Christians ‘Owe’ The Jews
– Christian ‘Roots’ Are In Israel
– The ‘Family’ Of Jesus
– The Times Of The Gentiles Are Almost ‘Fulfilled’

ISRAEL WILL ALWAYS ‘BE’

<<< SUMMARY >>>

The following is a collection of ‘snippets’ from the post that aims to give you the overall ‘gist’ of this post.
[ 10-15 Minute Read ].

HISTORY OF ISRAELI WARS
The following is a timeline of the major wars Israel has ‘survived’ since its ‘inception’: …
———
[ MAP: Israel’s land area before and after the 1967 War. (Note: Israel gave back two very small portions of the Sinai Peninsula near the Suez Canal after the 1973 War) ]
———
TIMELINE
[ Detailed Israel History:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/why-jerusalem-v291/ ]

‘LIES’ ABOUT ISRAEL
Now, Israel IS NOT ‘perfect’ and every one of their decisions/actions is not right all the time. HOWEVER, there are many ‘lies’ and accusations being told about them historically, as well as their very recent actions in the Gaza Strip.

ACCUSATIONS
– “OCCUPIER”
As was mentioned in the timeline overview above, the Israelites conquered the Canaanite land circa 1200 BC, and then King Solomon built the First Temple in 960 BC. So, Israel has been in the land since, at least, then.

Then, the term “Palestine” was ‘coined’ by the Roman Emperor Hadrian in 135 AD, when the Romans crushed the revolt of Shimon Bar Kokhba and he decided to strip the Jews of their biblical name. He sought to minimize Jewish identification with the land of Israel and sever them from their ancestry by renaming the land “Syria Palestina” after the enemies of Israel—the Philistines. Hadrian then made it worse. He then renamed Jerusalem—the already 1,000-year-old Jewish capital—to “Aelia Capitolina” and turned it into a pagan city.
[ more…]

[ MAP: 1920 British mandate showing the boundaries of the Jewish National Home land. ]
However, in 1922, the British created what was called in the memorandum, “Trans-Jordania,” which was all the land east of the Jordan River, because of serious Arab opposition—reducing the land for the Jewish National Home to 22% of the original 1920 Mandate.

[ MAP: 1922 British mandate showing the boundaries of the Jewish National Home land. ]

Then, in a 1938 report to the League of Nations, the British made this important distinction: “The name ‘Palestine’ is not a country but a geographic region.”

The world embraced the name Palestine until May 14, 1948, when Israel’s founder and first Prime Minister, David Ben-Gurion, made the historic announcement of modern statehood at a Tel Aviv art gallery. He announced the name of the world’s re-established Jewish state: “Israel.”
[ more…]

– “APARTHEID STATE”
Apartheid refers to the legal, political, and societal structure of discrimination that the white minority of South African citizens imposed on the black and Asian South African citizens from 1948 to 1994. Disenfranchisement was followed by segregation, violence, imprisonment, and overall oppression of the non-white majority—a pretty evil affair, to say the least. Israel is NOT an apartheid state based on ANY definition of the word.

Israel, on the other hand, has always been a free and open society where individuals in minority groups are accepted in the realms of public leadership, the arts, healthcare, academic institutions and business.
[ more…]

– “GENOCIDAL INTENTIONS”
People accuse Israel of genocidal intentions and refer to Hamas as freedom-fighters, even though the Hamas ‘charter’ dictates that it is to wipe the Jews off the face of the earth.

Genocide—literally “tribe-killing—is defined as a systematic series of violent acts “committed with the intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial or religious group.” The thing is, for decades, “Palestinians” have been crying “genocide,” claiming Israel seeks to wipe them out. Yet, the Palestinian population has at least quintupled since 1967, from just over 1 million to nearly five-and-a-half million people.

These false cries that Israelis are targeting Palestinians for genocide reflect the sweeping, categorical and thus genocidal tendencies in the Hamas charter, in the Oct. 7 sadism, and in too many twisted corners of the Palestinian national soul.

Hmmm… Zionists are even worse at genocide than they are at apartheid.

– “EXECUTING PALESTINIANS”
In a speech to the 37th World Zionist Congress in 2015, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu used the President of the “State of Palestine,” Mahmoud Abbas’s public charge that Israel executed a young teenager, Ahmed Manasra, to show the absurdity of this charge.
[ more…]

– “USES EXCESSIVE FORCE”
To this claim, Netanyahu asks people to consider what the police forces in New York, Paris, or Moscow would do if people ran through the streets of their cities trying to stab their citizens with knives or screwdrivers. Israel’s instructions are clear: If there’s a threat to life, act to ‘neutralize’ it—and try to save the lives of ALL of those involved.

– “USES ‘DISPROPORTIONAL’ FORCE”
So, what about ‘disproportionate’ force? Is Israel guilty because far more Gazans than Israelis have died? Well, no, since proportionality in the laws of war has nothing to do with the relative number of casualties on the two sides. After all, far more Japanese and Germans died in World War II than Americans—does that mean Imperial Japan or Nazi Germany were in the right, and the United States was in the wrong? (Not many would claim that.)
[ more…]

– “WAR CRIMES”
The recent decision of the International Criminal Court in The Hague (ICC) to investigate alleged “war crimes” by Israeli leaders is absolutely scandalous for several reasons.

First of all, nothing vaguely reminiscent of genocide, war crimes, or crimes against humanity have taken place by Israeli leaders in the Gaza Strip. On the other hand, crimes including torture and executions without trial, have unquestionably been committed by both Hamas and the PLO.

Secondly, unlike the Palestinian Authority, Israel has not ratified, and is not party to, the Rome Statute of the ICC.

Lastly, Israel—in stark contrast to the Palestinians—does not need the ICC. It actually has an independent court system with a robust rule of law that frequently prosecutes its most senior leaders, (including former President Moshe Katsav and Prime Minister Ehud Olmert who spent time in jail), as well as the three current criminal trials taking place against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
[ more…]

– “STAGNATING THE PEACE PROCESS”
Another lie that is told says that the increase in terrorism is due to ‘stagnation’ in the peace process. Well, Netanyahu has explained many times in the past that terrorism in Israel rises and falls completely independently of the peace process or of the status of Israel. There was terrorism against the Jews before Israel was established, before the acquisition of the territories, while the peace process was ongoing, and even when the peace process was at its peak. The thing is, Netanyahu also commented that what has given rise to terrorism is the fact that the State of Israel exists. [ Again, Israel has given land for peace many times in the past. ]

– “THERE IS NO PALESTINIAN STATE”
People say that there is violence erupting because there is no Palestinian “state.” The reality is, as Netanyahu has explained in the past, the Palestinian Arabs have repeatedly rejected every single offer of a nation-state for their people. Again, the thing is, the only nation-state the Palestinian Arabs will accept is one with no Jewish State next to it.

In 1947, the United Nations General Assembly passed Resolution 181. It was epic, recognizing the Jewish right to a national home—a right promised in the Balfour Declaration. To treat—in the parlance of the time—the Palestinian Jews and the Palestinian Arabs fairly, the United Nations then partitioned the area, envisioning a Jewish state and an Arab entity, while internationalizing Jerusalem.
[ more…]

– “TRYING TO CHANGE THE TEMPLE MOUNT STATUS QUO”
The thing is, there are some additional facts that one needs to know about this categorical statement.

First off, King Solomon built the Temple Mount 3,000 years ago. That is 1,500 years before the ‘birth’ of Islam. The current arrangement—despite Israel’s victory in a defensive war against Jordan in 1967, which previously controlled the site—is that Muslims may visit the Temple Mount and pray there, while non-Muslims are permitted to visit only between Sunday and Thursday and Jews are not permitted ever to pray there. Over the past year, 3-1/2 Muslims visited the Temple Mount, 80,000 Christians and a mere 12,000 Jews.

Israel is not trying to change the status quo on the Temple Mount.

– “TRYING TO DESTROY AL-AKSA MOSQUE”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told an anecdote about this:

“Just after his grandfather arrived in Israel, there was a terrorist attack because Arabs claimed Jews were trying to destroy the Al-Aksa Mosque. That was in 1920! Then, again in 1921 and 1929, the Jews were attacked based on this false claim—and it is still happening today.”

So, Netanyahu explained that “This lie is about a hundred years old. It fomented many, many attacks. The Temple Mount stands. The Al-Aqsa Mosque stands. But the lie stands too, it persists.”

– “A SURGE IN SETTLEMENT CONSTRUCTION”
Well, the truth is that the number of units built in the “settlements” has actually gone down from 5,000 annually under Ehud Barak (2000), to 1,900 under Ariel Sharon (2005), down to 1,700 under Ehud Olmert (2009). Under Netanyahu’s reign, the number is down to 1500. Netanyahu has commented in the past about this: “Some surge.”

– THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CONFLICT IS THE “PRIMARY PROBLEM IN THE MIDDLE EAST”
The claim that the core of the Middle East conflict is the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is not true. For the past four years, Netanyahu reminded everyone, ever since the “Arab Spring” (2010-2012), Syria is disintegrating, Iraq is disintegrating, Libya is disintegrating, Yemen is unraveling, there is chaos in the Sinai, and there is terror across North Africa. Millions are displaced and hundreds of thousands are being butchered. None of that has anything to do with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The core of the conflict in the Middle East, Netanyahu said, is “The battle between early medievalism, very primitive, very violent, forms of militant Islam, and modernity. The core of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is the continued absolute refusal by the Palestinians to recognize a Jewish state within any boundaries.”

Over the past few decades, Israel has been the victim of a campaign of demonization and delegitimization of a kind directed at no other country, people, or cause.

As I showed above, every accusation hurled at it is untrue. Displaced the indigenous people of the land: untrue. Acts illegally: untrue. Racist, apartheid, colonialist state: untrue. Disproportionately aggressive: untrue. Contemptuous of the lives of innocent Palestinians: untrue.
[ more…]

‘TRUTHS’ ABOUT ISRAEL
PERFORMS ‘REAL’ HUMAN RIGHTS
Retired British army officer Colonel Richard Kemp pointed out that after the United Nations released the Goldstone Report (2009)—which claimed the Israeli Defense Force engaged in “war crimes” during “Operation Cast Lead”—Kemp told the U.N. Human Rights Council that, “During Operation Cast Lead, the Israeli Defense Forces did more to safeguard the rights of civilians in a combat zone than any other army in the history of warfare.”

Kemp told The Endowment for Middle East Truth (EMET) audience:
[ more…]

NOT AN “APARTHEID STATE”
Perhaps the most inflammatory charge is that Israel is an apartheid state—because the only remedy for apartheid is the dissolution of the offending state. The charge is often buttressed with a list of supposedly discriminatory Israeli laws. However, the list itself is ridiculous—it even claims as discriminatory a law establishing Israel’s flag. Hmmm.

The thing is, there just so happens to be a ‘broader way’ to look at the apartheid charge. Consider, for example, that in this alleged “apartheid” Israel, when President Moshe Katsav was charged with serious crimes against female aides, he was convicted by a three-judge panel, headed by an Israeli Arab! (Israel doesn’t have jury trials). When he appealed to the Supreme Court the charges were upheld by a three-judge panel that included a different Israeli Arab judge, Supreme Court Justice Salim Joubran.

Evidently, the Jewish state obviously practices a unique and previously unknown form of apartheid, because Katsav did not receive just a ‘slap on the wrist’, he was in jail for five years! [ Definitely, NOT an “apartheid” state! ]

NO “ETHNIC CLEANSING”
As for “ethnic cleansing” in Jerusalem, when the city was unified by Israel in 1967 after the Six-Day War, it was 26% Arab. Now, after 54 years of “ethnic cleansing,” Jerusalem is more than 38% Arab. Hmmm… seems to be going the wrong ‘way’ for “cleansing.”

Some people say that in the Sheikh Jarrah (a neighborhood of Jerusalem), some Palestinians face eviction from their homes because, supposedly, it is to make way for Jewish settlers. Well, actually, the Palestinians are ‘tenants’ on land even Jordan agreed was Jewish-owned!

In 1982, the Palestinian families agreed in a court-brokered deal that they were tenants of the Israeli Jewish owners and needed to pay rent, but would become “protected tenants.” Unfortunately, they soon went back on the deal, perhaps under pressure from the PLO, and now face eviction for the non-payment of rent and no other reason.

‘DISENGAGED’ FROM GAZA FOR PEACE
In 2005, Israel ‘disengaged’ from Gaza, uprooting over 9,000 Israeli citizens living in 25 settlements scattered through Gaza and northern Samaria. Amid the anguish, military strategists lobbied intensely to keep a strip of land for defensive purposes—the Philadelphi corridor. The ‘duke’ of disengagement, Ariel Sharon, resisted. He claimed that if Israel retained even one grain of Gazan sand, critics would claim it was still “occupied”—and he was confident that once Gaza was no longer occupied, Israel would live in peace as the Gazans prospered.
[ more…]

LAND ‘PURCHASES’
Prior to the birth of modern Israel in 1948, Jewish people continued to buy back their own land. Foreign policy expert Mitchell G. Bard wrote: “From the beginning of World War I… part of Palestine’s land was owned by absentee landlords who lived in Cairo, Damascus and Beirut. About 80 percent of the Palestinian Arabs were debt-ridden peasants, semi-nomads, and Bedouins.”
———
[ MAP: The Empire of King Solomon – 1000 BC ]

A LONG HISTORY OF “NO”
Frustratingly, the consistent approach adopted by almost every Arab leader since the 1930s has been to say “No” to most Israeli offers for peace:

– The “Partition” in 1937
– The “Partition” in 1947
– “Peace” in 1948
– “Peace” in 1956
– “Peace” after the Six-Day War in 1967
– “Oslo Accords” in 1993
– “Camp David Summit” in 2000

Israeli historian Benny Morris sees the long saga of Jewish-Arab relations as one of a consistent Arab refusal to accept Israel’s existence as a nation. He calls the 1948 war a “jihad” (an Islamic holy war) and says that Arab leaders want “all of Palestine” and no “two-state” solution will work (Joel 3:2). Expulsion, elimination, and annihilation is the ONLY thing that will work for them!

AN ”ALTERNATIVE UNIVERSE”
Israel’s Ambassador to the U.S., Ron Dermer, characterized the lies told about Israel as not merely alternative facts but “an alternative universe of real lies with real consequences.” Dermer continued:
[ more…]

CURRENT ‘ENVIRONMENT’
Today, Israel lives in what is easily the most toxic ‘neighborhood’ on earth. Her next-door neighbors in the Gaza Strip and the “West Bank” (Judea and Samaria) are ruled by Hamas and the Palestinian Authority, both committed to Israel’s destruction. Both are unwilling to make peace with Israel. These militants use suicide bombs, rocket barrages, and terrorist attacks—along with Intifadas (uprisings) and international pressure—to wage war against Israel.

In Lebanon, the ruling party is Hezbollah and they have over 100,000 ‘trained’ fighters and an estimated stockpile of over 150,000 rockets (2020). Hezbollah leader Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah charges that “Israel is a cancer” and says their “Ultimate goal should be to remove it.”
[ more…]

WHAT GOD ‘SAYS’
“I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed”
[ Genesis 12:2-3 ].

“And he brought him outside and said, ‘Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them.’ Then he said to him, ‘So shall your offspring be.’ And he believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness”
[ Genesis 15:5-6 ].

“On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your offspring I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates”
[ Genesis 15:18 ].
[ more…]

ISRAEL WILL ‘STAND’
In 2015, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed a joint session of the U.S. Congress primarily warning them of the dangers and implications stemming from the “Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action” (JCPOA)—which was supposed to restrict Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. [ Note: Iran began ignoring the limitation just a year later, and since. ]

Well, within that speech, Netanyahu made a statement that related very well to the ‘theme’ of this post:

“This is why, as Prime Minister of Israel, I can promise you one more thing: Even if Israel has to stand alone, Israel will stand.”

[ VIDEO: Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: “Israel will stand”:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QH5fhrxkZeY&t=2290s ]

ISRAEL’S ‘FINAL’ WAR?
So, to answer the question I posed in the introduction of this post, if the current conflict in Israel escalates into a broader war—that will include all of Israel’s ‘sworn’ enemies in the Middle East—will this be the ‘FINAL’ WAR for Israel, one that they will NOT BE ABLE TO ‘WIN’?

NO, the Bible says God will ‘fight’—and win—for Israel, His ‘Chosen People’, even when, in the ‘natural’, it looks like they are going to be exterminated. In addition to that, God still needs to finish His ‘discipline’ of them for not accepting His Son, Jesus, as their Messiah, to purge non-believing Israelites, for the nation to be reconciled for their iniquities, and for the Jewish ‘remnant’ to be converted to believing in Jesus as their Savior (Daniel 9:24; Jeremiah 30:7; Ezekiel 20:36-38; Ezekiel 36:25-28; Zechariah 13:9; Thessalonians 1:10) .

The previous things are what the ‘Tribulation’ is primarily about—refining God’s ‘relationship’ with Israel, after the “Church Age” has ended (the “Seventieth Week” of Daniel).

Now, the ‘world’ will also be ‘disciplined’—undergoing the wrath of God for its unbelief—with less than 50% of the people surviving! (First 25% of the population, then 33% of the remaining people.) [ All this is because of their rejection of the Bible and unbelief in Jesus as their Savior. ]

The Bible—God—says that Israel and the Jews WILL ‘NEVER’ be exterminated, no matter what the ‘world’ says. Just as a reminder, the following are a few snippets of what I mentioned previously that God said about the nation of Israel and the Jewish people:
[ more…]

THIS IS A ‘SPIRITUAL’ BATTLE
The ‘root’ of all aggression against Israel is not political or ideological—it is a ‘spiritual’ battle.

Those who reject the ‘spiritual war’ explanation of the widespread hatred towards Israel will find the ‘puzzle’ of Israel difficult to solve. They need to explain why tiny Israel—the size of New Jersey—is hated so much by most of the world. They then need to explain why a remnant of Israel has always survived any aggression. Although Israel was scattered throughout the nations for some 2500 years, it is amazing that somehow a remnant of the nation has always survived. Then, they also need to explain the rapid growth of Israel over the past 100 years. Why? Well, the biblical answer is that the God of Israel protected her (Isaiah 54:15-17; Zechariah 2:5-8; Ezekiel 39:6).

The following show a few of the ‘spiritual’ issues ‘played out’ in the real world.

THE ‘LAND’ IS NOT THE ISSUE
The current earth-shaking invasion of Israel happened because radical Islamists falsely claim that any lands once forcefully taken and ruled by the Ottoman Empire must “perpetually remain under Islamic control” once they are finally recaptured from the infidels (the Jewish people). According to these radical Islamists, those lands can be righteously retaken by force (which is the position of Hamas and Hezbollah about Israel and the Jewish people today.)

Well, over 100 years ago, Theodor Herzl, Zionism’s leading progenitor, proposed the creation of a “Jewish Company” in the Jewish State to gain title to the Land which, as he said, “Must, of course, be privately acquired.” Herzl’s proposal came to fruition—in a modified form—when the Fifth Zionist Congress founded the “Jewish National Fund” (JNF) in 1901. The JNF then purchased its first tract of land in 1904, and has purchased 2.6 million dunams (a quarter acre) ever since.

Then, a British investigation in 1929 found that, far from “stealing” land, the Jews and Palestine “paid high prices for the land, and in addition, they paid a certain of the occupants of those lands a considerable amount of money which they were not legally bound to pay.”
———
[ Note: Combining the 22 Arab states, including Iran, they have over 710 times more land than the state of Israel (Source: Z.O.A.) ]

The thing is, Israel’s very existence remains unacceptable and intolerable to virtually all Palestinian leadership. THAT is the ‘problem’. Israel’s ‘EXISTENCE’!

GLOBAL ‘ANTISEMITISM’
It seems like every nation on the earth has been ‘bitten’ with the virus of anti-Semitism, the irrational hatred for the physical descendants of Abraham Isaac and Jacob—the Jews.

It also seems that we are seeing manifest before our eyes that the world has literally returned back to the late 1930s—with Hitler’s ‘takeover’ of Germany—with the tremendous anti-Semitic mindset that ‘paved’ the way for Hitler massacre of over 6 million Jews.

The thing is, before there was a Chancellor Hitler in 1933 there were roving bands of “brown shirts” inflicting political and anti-Semitic violence on the streets of
Germany. So, Hitler did not come to power in a vacuum, he just kind of came in when the ‘structure’ was already built. It is the kind of thing that we are seeing being ‘built’ today.
———
Another ‘sad’ note is that the United Nations—whose stated purposes are to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and serve as a center for harmonizing the actions of nations—has condemned Israel more than ALL OTHER COUNTRIES ‘COMBINED’ in 2022. The General Assembly approved 15 anti-Israel resolutions versus ONLY 13 resolutions ‘criticizing’ ALL other countries.

Then, if one looks back to 2015, the General Assembly has adopted 140 resolutions criticizing Israel (mainly over its treatment of the Palestinians and its relationships with neighboring countries), and only passed 68 resolutions against ALL OTHER COUNTRIES ‘COMBINED’!

[ Hmmm… think that is even ‘reasonable’ with countries like Iran, North Korea, and China? I DON’T think so! ]
[ more…]

GOD’S ‘CHOSEN’ PEOPLE
In the movie “Fiddler on the Roof,” we meet Tevye, a dairyman who lives with his wife and five daughters in a small Russian village. Life is difficult for this Jewish family. Throughout the story, Tevye talks with God and expresses his disappointment with his lot in life. In one of his conversations with God, Tevye says, “I know, I know. We are your chosen people. But once in a while, can’t you choose someone else?”

The Bible affirms that the Jews are God’s “chosen people”: “You are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be His people, His treasured possession” [ Deuteronomy 7:6 ].

The thing is, “chosen people” is not a grant of superiority, but rather a charge of ‘responsibility’. It is an aspiration, not an adjective, and the phrase is precatory, not descriptive. God ordered Jews to be ‘role models’, to teach, by example, His existence, His active presence in the world. However, they have not always done what He had instructed them to do.
[ more…]

– I ‘CHOSE’ YOU
Jesus said, “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last” [ John 15:16a ].

The believer is accepted and appointed because God chose them, not the other way around! Once they have been chosen by God, the Holy Spirit comes to ‘indwell’ them to transform their character and do the WORK ‘in’ them (“sanctification”) that they will need to eventually have the character of Jesus.

Now, the believer obeys God and produces spiritual fruit not because they are striving to earn His favor, but because they are delighting in His grace. The thing is, they cannot gain God’s approval by ANY KIND of good ‘works’, saying all the right things, or trying as hard as they can to avoid sin (which is impossible). The only thing that makes us right with God is the forgiveness and righteousness found in the ‘work’ of Jesus on the Cross. God chooses those who know they need what Jesus did on the Cross:
[ more…]

– THE ’BURDEN’ OF BEING CHOSEN
Returning to the “Fiddler on the Roof” story, Tevye felt the burden of being chosen—just like the Jews have felt over all these years.

Now, perhaps you have also felt that burden sometimes. Maybe you’re the oldest child, and you think having extra responsibilities is unfair. Or perhaps you have a friend who tends to call only when they need a favor. In many situations, being chosen can feel pretty good. But sometimes it is a burden we would rather not carry.

Well, the New Testament tells us that Jesus “was chosen before the creation of the world” (1 Peter 1:20). The burden He carried was that of all of humanity’s sins. “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One,” the mocking crowd said when Jesus was crucified on the Cross (Luke 23:35).

The thing is, they didn’t realize that the Chosen One did not come to save Himself. He came to save us! That was His burden, and He relieved us of the greatest burden anyone could ever carry—if we will just trust in Him as our Savior and Lord.

JESUS IS THE ‘ONLY’ ANSWER
The thing is, the answer is NOT a ‘movement’ or ‘political’ solution. Instead, it is a Person—Jesus—who happens to be the greatest example the world has ever seen of what it means “to be a Jew.”

Hopefully, people will come to realize He is the One who brings ‘light’ to the darkness, spreads ‘peace’ where there is hatred, ‘justice’ where there is oppression, and ‘freedom’ where there is captivity.

His name, “Emmanuel,” means “God with us” and is the Name above all names that will ‘free’ ANYONE who ‘calls’ on Him as their Savior and Lord.

It is ‘clear’ that the Bible presents that faith in Jesus is THE ONLY ‘WAY’ to God. So, what are you going to do with that information? What are you going to ‘do’ with Jesus?

Are you going to allow the philosopher’s deceiving words to mistrust Jesus? Will you let the musings of humans carry more ‘weight’ than the message of God? PLEASE DON’T!

Take Jesus at His word. Repent of your sins and put your faith in Jesus’ sacrifice for those sins. You will find that there is an ‘indescribable’ joy at comes from being set free from the penalty of sin.

So, again, what is your decision about Who Jesus really is? It is THE MOST IMPORTANT question you will EVER ANSWER!!!

[ FYI: For more details on this “most important” decision you will ever make, consider reading this on my “The Search for Meaning” website:
http://4vis.com/sfm/sfm_pres/sp_q12_d1_1of10.html ].
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BIBLICAL ‘PROPHECY’
God alludes to the Jewish people as the “apple of His eye” (Deuteronomy 32:10 and Zechariah 2:8) and “My people Israel” (Ezekiel 36:12 and 38:14). There is a reason for these terms of endearment.

First off, the Jews are the ‘heirs’ of an unconditional Covenant that God made with Abraham about 4,000 years ago. The Covenant was based upon some important promises that were ultimately intended for the benevolence of humankind, becoming a “great nation” (Genesis 12:2-3). This can be interpreted as a large multitude of people in number and importance (Genesis 22:17a).

In addition to this, a large population requires a lot of land to inhabit, and God gave the land “from the river of Egypt to the great river, the River Euphrates (Genesis 15:18). This land mass portrays an Israel about 36 times larger than its current size—which will be appropriated, in full, in the Millennium.

God also declared, that “all the nations of the earth shall be blessed” (Genesis 22:18), which refers to, through their lineage, the “Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Messiah, Jesus, will come (Revelation 5:5).

Now, even though the Jews have often historically been a stiff-necked people, protecting these Chosen People from their own foolish follies and evil enemies is not an option, it is an unconditional ‘obligation’ of the sovereign God.

PROPHETIC ‘TIMELINE’
The Bible provides a general ‘timeline’ of major End Times events, including the biggest and last invasion of Israel that is prophesied to come, the “Gog and Magog” war.

After the Church is caught up in the Rapture, seven tumultuous years will occur before the Battle of Armageddon. During the first 3-1/2 years, the Antichrist will deceive Israel and the other nations of the world by making false promises of peace.

Jerusalem will be divided, and the Jewish Temple will be rebuilt. For many, these events will fuel great hope that peace in the Middle East has finally arrived through this charismatic global leader’s brilliant efforts. It is just before or just after this time of perceived security that the “Gog and Magog” war (Ezekiel 38 and 39) will occur. At that time, God will annihilate the Russian-Iranian coalition invading Israel by supernaturally decimating their forces (Ezekiel 38:18-21).

However, at the midpoint of the Tribulation, the Antichrist’s true evil character will finally be revealed. He will abolish all treaty obligations to Israel, desecrate the rebuilt Temple, and begin a merciless persecution of all dissenters who refuse to worship him as God. [ Meanwhile, catastrophes and judgments will relentlessly come from God. As God pours out His wrath upon a wicked world that has rejected Christ, many people will embrace Jesus and the Gospel. These believers will become Tribulation saints and martyrs as they refuse to take the Mark of the Beast. They will experience severe persecution even unto death, BUT will also inherit eternal life! ]
[ more…]

‘CHRONOLOGICAL’ ORDER OF EVENTS
When we talk about Heaven and the future events that will take place, it can seem very confusing. So, in a very concise way, here is the chronological order of future events that will take place for believers and Israel (that most pre-tribulational dispensationalists, like me, believe):

– The Rapture of the Church (1 Thessalonians 4:17-18; 1 Corinthians 15:51-55)
– The Gog and Magog War (Ezekiel 38-39)
– The “Tribulation” (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Corinthians 15:51-53; Daniel 7, 9, and 12; Zephaniah 1:15-16; Zephaniah 3:9-20; Matthew 24; Revelation 6-18)
– The Second Coming of Jesus (Revelation 1:7; Revelation, 19:7-8; Revelation 19:14)
– Battle of Armageddon (Zechariah 12-14; Revelation 16:12-16; Revelation 19:11-20)
– The Millennium (Daniel 12:2; Ephesians 2:4-6; Revelation 1:5-6; Revelation, 5:9-10; Revelation, 20:4-6)
– Second Gog and Magog ‘war’ (At the end of the Millennium – 1 Corinthians 6:2-3)
– The New Jerusalem (John 14:2; 1 Thessalonians 4:18)

[ Note: Sadly, for people who have not received Jesus as their Lord and Savior, the previous timeline does not apply—a more ‘horrific’ one does. For more details about this, view this previous “Life’s Deep Thoughts post:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/final-tribulation-v246/ ].

‘PROPHETIC’ WARS
Even since the ‘children’ of Israel got in the land, they seemed like they have spent most of the time fighting each other, one civil war after another, and then wars with the Moabites, Ammonites, and the Philistines.

Then, there was World War II, where over 6 million Jews were killed. Since then, Israel has been in a dozen or so of ‘skirmishes’, a half dozen of which were ‘substantial’.

Dr. David Reagan, founder of “Lamb and Lion Ministries,” wrote a book earlier this year titled, “9 Wars of the End Times.” The following is his list:
– Psalm 83 War
– Gog and Magog
– “World War III” (Conventional; “Seal Judgements”)
– Continuing “World War III (Morphs into nuclear war)
– War in Heaven (Michael/Angels vs. Satan)
– Antichrist’s annihilation of the Jews (Revelation 12)
– Antichrist’s Middle East War (Daniel 11)
– Battle of Armageddon (Zechariah 14)
– Second Gog and Magog War

So, the following are my summarizations of the major wars and ‘events’ that will directly affect Israel:

PSALM 83
When the Palestinians realize it will not get a state and when they realized Jerusalem will not be its capital, they will try to seize Jerusalem. It says in Zechariah 12:2 that “Behold, I am about to make Jerusalem a cup of staggering to all the surrounding peoples.” They will then, at some point, because diplomacy will not work for them, attack the Jews. I think we are seeing the beginnings of this with all the terror attacks that are happening—especially on October 7th. It looks like they are ‘hinting’ that there will be a Third Intifada. This is something Israel will not tolerate again.

Psalm 83 then states that the immediate neighbors of Israel will launch a war for the purpose of wiping out Israel as a nation. The nations described as being a part of this nefarious effort are those with a common border with Israel:
[ more…]

“GOG AND MAGOG” WAR
At this time, Israel is living the “land of unwalled villages…who are at rest, that live securely…without walls and having no bars or gates” (Ezekiel 38:11) because Israel has just dealt with their enemies around them (Psalm 83 war) and no longer have to worry about them attacking (Ezekiel 28). [ Preconditions for the “Gog and Magog” war to happen ].

So, after soundly defeating their ‘neighbors’ in the “Psalm 83” war, and then ‘appropriating’ a tremendous amount of land after it (Obadiah 1:19-20; Zephaniah 2:9; Jeremiah 49:2), Israel will have economic wealth, military strength, and international influence. A ‘burgeoning’ Israel will be bursting at the ‘seams’, and the surviving Muslim nations, like Iran, Turkey, Libya, etc. will not be ‘pleased’ with Israel taking Muslim lands. [ It’s interesting that all of the surrounding countries call Israel the “occupier,” but they are really the ones who are ‘occupying’ the Land that God ‘gave’ to Israel! ].

So, the security provided by “Psalm 83” war will probably not last too long since the Arab nations will turn to their natural ally, Russia, and cry out for help. The Russians will be delighted to respond to the Arab cry for help because they have always dreamed of taking over the oil fields of the Middle East. “Gog” (the leader of Russia) forms an evil plan to obtain Israel’s “plunder and great booty” gained in the aftermath of the “Psalm 83” war. He will put together a huge and very powerful coalition of countries (“Outer Ring” countries – No common borders with Israel), that have contact with every major waterway that Israel needs to export their “great booty” to market:
[ more…]

THE ‘TRIBULATION’
The signs of the times indicate that we are on the threshold of the Tribulation—a time of unparalleled carnage that will befall the earth. The earth will plunge into a period of time that the Bible describes will be the most horrific period in all of human history.

So, what is the Tribulation, and what are its purposes?

Well, in general, the Tribulation is a time period when God will judge the world because of its sins, just as He did during the Flood. However, there are actually four different ‘major’ purposes for the Tribulation:

– The Wrath Of God
– Jewish People Coming To Know Jesus As Their Messiah
– Gentiles Coming To Know Jesus As Their Savior
– Jesus’ Second Coming

THE ‘ARMAGEDDON’ CAMPAIGN
The word “Armageddon” comes from a Hebrew word “Har-Magedone,” which means “Mount Megiddo” and has become synonymous with the future battle in which Jesus will intervene and destroy the armies of the Antichrist (Revelation 16:16; 20:1-3). There will be a multitude of people engaged in the battle of Armageddon, as all the nations gather together to fight against Jesus.

The exact location of the Valley of Armageddon is unclear because there is no mountain called Meggido. However, since “Har” can also mean hill, the most likely location is the hill country surrounding the plain of Meggido, some 60 miles north of Jerusalem. More than 200 battles have been fought in that region. The plain of Megiddo and the nearby plain of Esdraelon will be the focal point for the battle of Armageddon, which will rage the entire length of Israel as far south as the Edomite city of Bozrah (Isaiah 63:1). The Valley of Armageddon is also famous for two great victories in Israel’s history: Barak’s victory over the Canaanites (Judges 4:15) and Gideon’s victory over the Midianites (Judges 7). Armageddon was also the site for two great tragedies: the death of Saul and his sons (1 Samuel 31:8), and the death of King Josiah (2 Kings 23:29-30; 2 Chronicles 35:22).

Because of this history, the Valley of Armageddon became a symbol of the final conflict between God and the forces of evil. The word “Armageddon” only occurs in Revelation 16:16. It speaks of the kings who are loyal to the Antichrist gathering together for a final assault on Israel. At Armageddon “the cup filled with the wine of the fury of [God’s] wrath” (Revelation 16:19) will be delivered, and the Antichrist and his followers will be overthrown and defeated.

“Armageddon” has become a general term that refers to the end of the world, not exclusively to the battle that takes place in the plain of Megiddo. Napoleon is reported to have once commented that this site is perhaps the greatest battlefield he had ever witnessed.
[ more…]

– Allies Assemble For War
– Commercial Babylon Is Destroyed
– Jerusalem Is Ravaged
– Antichrist Moves Against The Remnant
– Israel Is Regenerated
– Jesus Returns (The “Second Coming”)
– The Final Battle Erupts
– The Faithful Remnant Returns To Israel
– The Victory Ascent To The Mount Of Olives
– The Resurrection Of The Jewish Saints

THE ‘MILLENNIUM’
The Jewish people will FINALLY GET what God had ‘PROMISED’ them way back when to their ‘father’ Abraham in the 1,000-year “Millennium” period:

“In that day the Lord will extend His hand yet a second time to recover the remnant that remains of His people”
[ Isaiah 11:11 ].

The first topics addressed will specifically focus on what the Jewish people will ‘experience’ during the onset of the Millennium Kingdom period—since it is primarily about them experiencing God’s long-ago promises.

Having confined Satan, the Antichrist, and the False Prophet, and also destroyed all the bad Kings and their armies, Jesus then focuses on restoring and repopulating the planet.

The process of repopulation appears to begin with the return of the Jews back to the homeland of Israel. The ‘remnant’ from Petra will leave that area (Edom) since it will be an uninhabitable wasteland during the Millennium (Isaiah 34:9-10).

Then, to facilitate the additional people (Genesis 22:17), some biblical scholars suggest that the Promised Land will increase in size from the current (2023) 8,500 square miles (about the size of New Jersey) to approximately 300,000 square miles (about as large as modern-day Turkey).

– Millennial Government
– Restored Jerusalem
– Fourth Temple

‘CONVERGENCE’
I believe that we are living in the ‘season’ of Jesus’ return, and it’s because of what prophecy scholars are calling the “CONVERGENCE FACTOR”—multiple prophecies coming to fruition all at one time.

The MOST important prophecy that ‘started’ the end times ‘clock’ ticking Israel being ‘born again’—becoming a ‘state’ in 1948—and the subsequent regathering of the Jews into “The Land.” Most scholars point to this as the “CORNERSTONE” in fulfilled prophecy that indicates the ‘start’ of the end times.

Another HUGE INDICATION of the coming Tribulation is the tremendous increase in antisemitism, with Israel’s surrounding countries wanting to “eliminate Israel from the face of the earth.” Zechariah prophesied that, “In that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it” [ Zechariah 12:3 ]. This IS HAPPENING today—and the most intense it has ever been!

Another real important ‘sign’ is that the Sanhedrin has raised all the money, and has completed the plans for the Third Temple, as well as having already fabricated all the ‘articles’ that go inside the Temple for animal sacrifices and worship.

Alliances between Russia and Iran, and between Russia and Turkey are also very meaningful, since the Bible says that they form a coalition to attack Israel.

[ Note: not once in the past 2,500 years has Russia formed a military alliance with Persia (Iran), and Meshech, Tubal, or Gomer (Turkey), however, they have recently developed a special ‘connection’. (Russia has signed billion-dollar deals to sell missiles to Iran, and the Iranians have helped the Russians, providing them with drones, weaponized drones to use in the Ukraine war.)

A few other ‘signs’ that Jesus mentioned were the increase and intensity of wars, earthquakes, famines, pestilences, and persecution of Christians—all which have been happening.

[ For more details on the “signs” of the times, view this “Life’s Deep Thoughts” post:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/blessed-hope-v245/ ]
[ more…]

‘SIGNS’ OF THE “END TIMES”
From the recent increase in the number and intensity of hurricanes and earthquakes to the rise of ISIS, Hamas, and Hezbollah, many people are asking whether these specific events are ‘signs’ of the End Times. Well, the short answer is that we really can’t be sure, but I—and MANY bible scholars—believe that we are in, at least, the “11th hour” (and the scientists that make the “Doomsday Clock” prediction say that it is the last “two minutes”).

Many years ago, Christian evangelist Billy Graham wrote, “We see the storm clouds gathering and events taking place that herald the second coming of Jesus Christ.”

So, the following list is from the video below that does a great job in discussing the top 10 ‘signs’ to look out for to determine if we are in the “last days”:

– False Messiahs (Luke 21:8)
– Wars (Luke 21:9-10)
– Earthquakes (Matthew 24:7)
– Famines (Mark 13:8)
– Pestilences (Luke 21:11)
– Fearful events (Luke 21:11)
– Signs in the sky (Luke 21:11)
– Persecution of Christians (Luke 21:12-19)
– Jerusalem surrounded by armies (Luke 21:20-24)
– Return of Jesus (Luke 21:25-29)

[ VIDEO: “How Do We Know That Jesus Is Coming Back Soon?” – Lamb & Lion:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14S2X7FQ9h0 ]
[ more…]

GOT YOUR ATTENTION YET?
All of the different end times ‘signs’ are coming together for the first time ever—”converging”—clearly indicating that we are living in the ‘season’ when Jesus will return to take all His believers, past and present, back with Him to the “place” He has prepared for them in His Father’s ‘house’ (John 14:2-3).

[ For more details on convergence, read this previous “Life’s Deep Thoughts” post:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/got-your-attention-yet-v255/ ].
[ more…]

THE ONLY ‘WAY’ TO PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST
There is NEVER going to be a ‘political’ solution to this religious problem. It will ONLY be solved when Jesus, the “Prince of Peace,” returns to this earth.

PEACE ‘WITH’ GOD
Peace is a popular concept these days—especially with the war in Ukraine and in Israel. I just saw a bumper sticker that said: “No Violence, Know Peace.” Well, while most people ‘pursue’ peace daily in many aspects of their lives—and I commend them for ‘chasing after’ it—it seems as though it is an almost impossible reality to obtain.

Turmoil is all around us. There is an absence of personal, family, and relationship peace, locally, nationally, and internationally. By many researcher’s calculations, in the last 3,500 years, there has been less than 300 years that could actually be considered “peaceful.” Many historians have defined “peace” in the world as the ‘lull’ in the battle when everybody stops to reload!

People talk about trying to find “peace and quiet,” or trying to “make peace.” Law enforcement tries to “keep the peace,” and global arbitrators trying to “establish peace.” We do all this until we finally “rest in peace”!
[ more…]

PEACE ON EARTH
“Peace” appears 429 times in 400 verses in the Bible. Peace is sought after by most people in many different ways and under many different circumstances.

Usually, the “peace” most people find is temporal. The Bible teaches that Jesus came to bring peace to the troubled heart. Jesus declares, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” [ John 16:33 ]. Jesus also said, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you” [ John 14:27 ].

Real, true, and lasting peace is found only in the One who can meet the need of every human heart—Jesus. In order for one to receive “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” [ Philippians 4:7 ], one must have a ‘relationship’ with Jesus.
[ more…]

JESUS IS ‘COMING’—TWO TIMES!
The “Rapture” will be an instantaneous, ‘hidden’ event that could happen at any moment: “While we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ” [ Titus 2:13 ], and “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first” [ 1 Thessalonians 4:16 ].

At the Rapture, those who are “in Christ,” (believers during the present age), will be resurrected from the dead, and will be ‘translated’ into Heaven.

The “Second Coming,” however, will be ‘seen’ by everyone: “Look, He is coming with the clouds,” and “every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him”; and all peoples on earth “will mourn because of Him” [ Revelation 1:7 ].
[ more…]

THE “RAPTURE”
Although this is not ‘directly’ related to the Jewish people, the ‘RAPTURE’ will affect them in the near future after this happens. This will essentially be the end of the “Church Age”—the “fullness of the Gentiles” (Romans 11:25)—and God will remove the “hardening” and “blindness” of the Jews and then start to ‘deliver’ the nation of Israel (Zechariah 14:3).

The rapture of millions of believers will change everything and affect everyone who remains on the planet. There will be drastic changes we cannot even imagine now, as the world tries to control the chaos. People will be trying to restore some semblance of order and normalcy in their lives. [ The Antichrist may be starting to be in the ‘limelight’ at this point and may attempt to explain away the vanishing millions, while attempting to lure those remaining into a false sense of safety and hope ].
[ more…]

THE “SECOND COMING”
The prayers of the Jewish remnant are finally answered!!! Jesus returns bodily to save them, and EVERYONE WILL KNOW!—obvious to everyone near and far (Revelation 19:11-16). [ “Apokalupsis” is the Greek word used to describe the Second Coming of Jesus. It carries the basic meaning of “revelation,” “visible disclosure,” “unveiling,” and “removing the cover” from something that is hidden. ]

This is the moment believers have been waiting for since the beginning of time!!!

– The ‘Final’ Battle Erupts
– Victory ‘Ascent’ To The Mount Of Olives

HOW TO ‘PREPARE’
In my—and MANY prophecy experts’ opinion—we are in the ‘two-minute warning’ for Jesus’ soon coming. Then, because of all the ‘signs’ and ‘convergence’, it is believed that it will be REAL SOON!

Last year I wrote a post to delve into the ‘specifics’ of how one can ‘PREPARE’ for Jesus’s coming. The following are the major points discussed in the post:
[ more…]

JESUS WILL COME LIKE A ‘THIEF’
Jesus tells another parable that emphasizes that one needs to be ready at ALL TIMES since no one knows when He will return. He uses a homeowner to show that if they had known that the thief was coming, they would have prepared:

“But know this, that if the master of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have left his house to be broken into. You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect”
[ Luke 12:39-40 ].

Now, be sure of this, that if the head of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have allowed his house to be broken into.
[ more…]

THE “BLESSED HOPE”
In the midst of all of this difficulty, we do have some good news. The Bible says:

“We wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good”
[ Titus 2:13-14 ].

Pastor Adrian Rogers used to say: “The world is growing gloriously dark.” This is definitely evident in the headlines today!

So, against the backdrop of all that is happening, there is this tremendous promise of Jesus’ return to rescue the Church from planet earth—via the Rapture—before the wrath of God hits this planet in the Tribulation.

[ FYI: For more details about what the Bible says about the believer’s “blessed hope,” view this previous “Life’s Deep Thoughts” post:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/blessed-hope-v245/ ].

WRAP-UP
‘SPINNING’ OUT OF CONTROL?
Within the span of eight weeks after the invasion of Israel, there has been a spontaneous ‘combustion’ of global anti-Semitism ignited as if dry timbers in a forest had been set ablaze after being doused with buckets of gasoline.

In short, it feels as if the world is ‘spinning’ out of control and carrying us off into an abyss of total darkness. To illustrate that point, it is not every night that, while you are watching the evening news, you witness a plane, carrying Jews from Israel, land into a country, where an angry mob is waiting for them to disembark in order to pull off a modern-day lynching. But that is exactly what just happened!

Right before our eyes, we have watched, in real-time, Jews being hunted down like animals at the Dagestan airport, in Russia. It is as if all ‘hell has broken loose’ and everyone has lost their mind all at once.

The thing is, these events have catapulted humanity into a new reality of terror, violence, and hatred against the Jewish people and the Jewish nation in just two short months!
[ more…]

ONGOING ‘SPIRITUAL’ CONFLICT
The thing is, at its ‘core’, Israel’s issues are SPIRITUAL in nature—part of the cosmic struggle between God and Satan. The two most important ‘kingdoms’ involved in this struggle are the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness. Political solutions will never fully address this spiritual matter. While leaders should pursue peace, only Jesus’ return can ultimately settle this religious conflict. So, until then, prayer and wisdom are needed amid the complex challenges that will be forthcoming.

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinians often mirrors the “sibling rivalry” between Isaac and Ishmael described in the book of Genesis (16:1-15). When Sarah convinced Abraham to take Hagar as a second wife, she unknowingly sparked a rivalry that would persist fiercely through the centuries, with bloodshed unable to quell it!
[ more…]

THE ‘ROLE’ OF ISRAEL IN THE END TIMES
Every time there is a conflict in or around Israel, many see it as a ‘sign’ of the quickly approaching End Times. The problem with this is that people eventually tire of the conflict in Israel, so much so, that they will not recognize when true, prophetically significant events occur. The thing is, conflict in Israel is not necessarily a sign of the end times.

Conflict in Israel has been a reality whenever Israel has existed as a ‘nation’. Whether it was the Egyptians, Amalekites, Midianites, Moabites, Ammonites, Amorites, Philistines, Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, or Romans, the nation of Israel has always been persecuted by its neighbors.

So, why is this? Well, according to the Bible, it is because God has a special plan for the nation of Israel and Satan wants to defeat that plan. Satanically-influenced hatred of Israel is the reason Israel’s neighbors have always wanted to see Israel destroyed. Whether it is Sennacherib, king of Assyria; Haman, official of Persia; Hitler, leader of Nazi Germany; or Rouhani, President of Iran, attempts to completely destroy Israel WILL ALWAYS ‘FAIL’! The persecutors of Israel will come and go, but the persecution will remain until the Second Coming of Jesus. So, as a result, conflict in Israel is not a reliable indicator of the soon arrival of the End Times.

However, the Bible does say there will be terrible conflict in Israel during the End Times. That is why the time period is known as the Tribulation and the “time of Jacob’s trouble” (Jeremiah 30:7). Here is what the Bible says about Israel in the End Times:
[ more…]

THE FINAL ‘SCENE’ SETUP
What is unfolding is NOT Israel’s final war. While the current escalating conflict is tragically claiming innocent lives and inflicting mass suffering on both sides, this is not the ‘end’ of Israel—more conflict involving the Jewish nation is ahead and Israel WILL NOT be ‘wiped off’ the map.

Over 2,600 years ago, Ezekiel predicted an invasion of Israel led by a ruler named Gog, from the land of Magog (Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39). [ Note: This war is distinct from Armageddon, so avoid that confusion. ]

A ‘coalition’ of hostile powers to Israel’s north is forming in ways consistent with Ezekiel’s remarkable vision—primarily Russia, Iran, and Turkey, who now are ‘cozying up’ to each other for the first time in history!
[ more…]

WHAT’S ‘NEXT’?
Though the persecution of Jews and wars with Israel will increase, Jesus assured us not to let our hearts be troubled (John 14:1). God remains sovereign over human history (Romans 11:36; Ephesians 1:11; Acts 4:27-28). Despite Satan’s ‘scheming’, God’s plans will unfold ‘exactly’ as the Scriptures foretell—and have been since the very first prophecy in the Bible (100% fulfillment since). The believer can take great comfort that God retains complete control over history. God knows the endpoint, and He guides the world steadily towards that culmination.

So, as we view current world events, it seems the ‘stage’ is being set for the fulfillment of the End Times. The aligning of nations and leaders resembles the ‘scenery’ described as the last days in the Bible. It appears as if after the Church is raptured, the final acts of this age will rapidly unfold.
[ more…]

BE ‘READY’!
Several days before I—and probably most everyone else—go on a trip, I begin to plan and prepare for it (which is usually days or weeks before I leave depending on the longevity of the trip). I also make a ‘checklist’ that I continually reference to be sure I am not forgetting anything. The preparation to leave takes thought, time, and effort.

The Bible teaches that all followers of Jesus are to plan and prepare for a “trip.” The trip is not only undertaken when we move to Heaven following death, but it is also a very unique one that will take place at the end of human history as we have known it. We are told that believers, in the “last generation,” will not experience physical death, but will be caught up in what is called the “Rapture”—the “snatching away”—to meet Jesus in the air and be reunited with all believers who have died in Jesus and have gone before us. It will be the ‘trip’ of a lifetime—a trip that will be ‘out of this world’!
[ more…]

‘STAND’ WITH ISRAEL
Now, when I say, “I Stand With Israel,” that DOES NOT mean that, for one, I agree with everything Israel does—God certainly didn’t! Secondly, that also DOES NOT mean that I am not heartbroken for all the innocent Palestinian civilians that do not support the ‘crimes’ of the wicked militant Islamist group Hamas and are hiding for their lives, have been injured, or have be killed.

It DOES mean that I wholeheartedly denounce the horrific and brutal atrocities done by Hamas ‘adherents’! It DOES mean that I pray that all the hostages to be returned, and that the Hamas ‘government’ is eliminated and there is another government ‘installed’ that will want to create an environment where the Palestinian people can have an economically productive economy—which is was in 2005 when Israel withdrew from the Gaza Strip—and an attitude of getting along, working together, and of peace towards their neighbors, Israel.

Sadly, when one says that they “Stand for Israel,” it seems to ‘fill the air’ with a tension that one can cut with a knife. Even worse, sometimes violent acts against others are then perpetrated upon those who don’t think the same way they do.
[ more…]

– God ‘Loves’ Israel
– God’s ‘Chosen’ People
– God Will ‘Bless’ Those Who Bless Israel
– Christians ‘Owe’ The Jews
– Christian ‘Roots’ Are In Israel
– The ‘Family’ Of Jesus
– The Times Of The Gentiles Are Almost ‘Fulfilled’

ISRAEL WILL ALWAYS ‘BE’
Israel’s best days are still ahead. From the moment God called Abraham from Ur of the Chaldees, the nation’s history has been building toward a magnificent climax. What God promised to and desired from Israel will finally become a reality in the Messianic Kingdom. Scripture is clear that a remnant of Israel will continue to exist through the remainder of this present age, through the seven years of tribulation, through the Messianic Kingdom, and on into eternity.

God explicitly guarantees that, on a future day, Israel will “return to Me with their whole heart” [ Jeremiah 24:7e ]. The prophet Zechariah also foresaw that time and said that “In that day a fountain shall be opened for the house of David and for the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for sin and for uncleanness” [ Zechariah 13:1 ].

The prophet Isaiah also foresaw the beautiful scenario when the Messiah will lead the remnant of Israel into the city when He establishes His Kingdom in Jerusalem:

“But Israel will be saved by the Lord with an everlasting salvation; you will never be put to shame or disgraced, to ages everlasting”
[ Isaiah 45:17 ].

With prophecy placing Israel’s greatest days ahead, God has no intention of EVER ‘REJECTING’ Israel!

God’s covenants with Israel, Israel’s faithful remnant, and Israel’s glorious future all declare one inescapable truth: God has not rejected Israel, and He never will!

So, if God is going to ‘stand’ with Israel forever, so too should the believer today—for its right to ‘exist’ as a state and as a people, and its right to ‘defend’ its people from invaders.

The Bible says that God remains sovereign over Israel’s enemies despite intensifying threats. Israel has an eternal ‘covenant’ with God, and it WILL NOT be revoked. The nation and people of Israel will see many difficult days in the future, but ISRAEL WILL NEVER BE ‘EXTERMINATED’!

God will keep His promise to the Jewish people that they will be the ‘government’—with King David being the “Prime Minister”—helping Jesus govern the New Heavens and the New Earth, from the New Jerusalem!

[ FYI: For more details about the “New Heavens, the New Earth, and the New Jerusalem, view this previous “Life’s Deep Thoughts” post:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/home-at-last-v290/ ].

<<< END OF SUMMARY >>>

<<< ALL THE DETAILS >>>

The following is a comprehensive presentation of the topic that follows the ‘headings’ laid out in the Summary.

HISTORY OF ISRAELI WARS
The following is a timeline of the major wars Israel has ‘survived’ since its ‘inception’:

– Circa 1200 BC
Israelites conquer Canaanite lands. King Solomon builds the First Temple.

– 587 BC
Babylonians conquer the Kingdom of Judah and destroy the First Temple. Many Jews are exiled.

– 538 BC
After Persian conquest of Babylon, Jews begin returning from exile. The Second Temple is built.

Early Islamic Era

– 610 AD
Islamic prophet Muhammad begins receiving revelations he believes to be from God, marking the founding of Islam.

– 638
Arab Muslims conquer Jerusalem from the Byzantine Empire. Al-Aqsa Mosque is built on the Temple Mount.
Medieval Era

– 1099
European Crusaders conquer Jerusalem and expel most Jewish and Muslim inhabitants.

– 1187
Muslim leader Saladin recaptures Jerusalem from the Crusaders and allows Jewish settlement.

Ottoman Era

– 1516
The Ottoman Empire conquers Palestine from Mamluk Sultanate based in Egypt. Palestine is administered as part of Ottoman Syria.

– Late 1800s
Jews begin a call for the creation of a Jewish homeland in Ottoman Palestine. Jewish immigration increases.

Modern Era

– 1917
The British Balfour Declaration supports a Jewish national home in Palestine, angering the majority Arab population.

– 1920
The League of Nations grants Britain a mandate over Palestine.

– 1922
The League of Nations formally approves the British Mandate for Palestine.

– 1937
The Peel Commission recommends partitioning Palestine into Jewish and Arab states. Arabs reject the plan.

– 1945
World War II ends. Many Europeans Jews are left without homes or national support.

– 1947
The UN votes to partition Palestine into Jewish and Arab states. Jewish leaders accept this, while Arabs reject it.

– 1948
On May 14, 1948, Israel declared its independence. Less than 24 hours later, the Egyptians, Syrians, Iraqis, the Transjordanian Arab Legion, and the Arab Liberation Army combined their forces to sweep into Israel intending to put the infant nation to ‘death’.

For nearly a month, the contest raged over the length and breadth of the land. Jewish forces—initially with a tank, fighter plane, and field gun—suffered heavy casualties. HOWEVER, they were able to ‘STAND’ against the invaders, and on June 11, in response to an initiative by the United Nations, a truce was called.

When the truce expired on July 9 and fighting resumed, the Arabs experienced a rude awakening. During the truce, the Jewish forces had managed some incredible feats in securing and transporting vital military supplies into the country. The day before the truce expired, Egyptian troops renewed their attacks on the southern front. The Israelis were ready for them. Strong fortifications and mobile commando units met them head-on. Within 10 days, the Egyptians were defeated and found much of their military equipment in Jewish hands.

The Arab Liberation Army and their comrades in arms fared no better than the Egyptians. They were driven back into Lebanon. Soon Arabs in Cairo and Damascus were hearing the drone of Israeli bombers in the skies above their cities. It was something the Arabs had not expected, nor were they prepared to accept it. They sued for a cease-fire.

So, by January 7, 1949, all hostilities concluded. The “War of Independence” was over. The State of Israel was now a fact, even though Jewish forces paid a high price for the survival of their homeland. Some 4,000 soldiers and 2,000 civilians had been killed (nearly one percent of the country’s Jewish population at the time).

Financially, they also had taken a heavy blow—to the tune of $500 million. But, the state was intact and little Israel was on the ‘center stage’ of the world.

– 1949
During the first months of 1949, direct negotiations were conducted under UN auspices between Israel and each of the invading countries (except Iraq, which refused to negotiate with Israel), resulting in armistice agreements that reflected the situation at the end of the fighting.

Accordingly, the Coastal Plain, Galilee, and the entire Negev were within Israel’s sovereignty, Judea and Samaria (the West Bank) came under Jordanian rule, the Gaza Strip came under Egyptian administration, and the city of Jerusalem was divided, with Jordan controlling the eastern part, including the Old City, and Israel the western sector.

– 1956
The 1949 armistice agreements had not only failed to pave the way to permanent peace, but were also constantly violated.

In contradiction to the UN Security Council Resolution of September 1, 1951, Israeli and Israel-bound shipping was prevented from passing through the Suez Canal; the blockade of the Straits of Tiran was tightened; incursions into Israel of terrorist squads from neighboring Arab countries for murder and sabotage occurred with increasing frequency; and the Sinai Peninsula was gradually converted into a huge Egyptian military base.

Israel joined Britain and France to invade Egypt over Nassar’s decision to try to nationalize the Suez Canal.

Then, upon the signing of a tripartite military alliance by Egypt, Syria, and Jordan (October 1956), the imminent threat to Israel’s existence was intensified. In the course of an eight-day campaign, the IDF captured the Gaza Strip and the entire Sinai Peninsula, halting 10 miles east of the Suez Canal.

A United Nations decision to station a UN Emergency Force (UNEF) along the Egypt-Israel border and Egyptian assurances of free navigation in the Gulf of Eilat led Israel to agree to withdraw in stages (November 1956-March 1957) from the areas taken a few weeks earlier. Consequently, the Straits of Tiran were opened, enabling the development of trade with Asian and East African countries, as well as oil imports from the Persian Gulf.

– 1967
Hopes for another decade of relative tranquility were dashed with the escalation of Arab terrorist raids across the Egyptian and Jordanian borders, persistent Syrian artillery bombardment of agricultural settlements in northern Galilee, and massive military build-ups by the neighboring Arab states. When Egypt again moved large numbers of troops into the Sinai desert (May 1967), ordered the UN peacekeeping forces (deployed since 1957) out of the area, reimposed the blockade of the Straits of Tiran, and entered into a military alliance with Jordan, Israel found itself faced by hostile Arab armies on all fronts.

As Israel’s neighbors prepared to destroy the Jewish state, Israel invoked its inherent right of self-defense, launching a preemptive strike (June 5, 1967) against Egypt in the South, followed by a counterattack against Jordan in the East and the routing of Syrian forces entrenched on the Golan Heights in the North.

At the end of six days of fighting, previous cease-fire lines were replaced by new ones, with Judea, Samaria, Gaza, the Sinai Peninsula, and the Golan Heights under Israel’s control. As a result, the northern villages were freed from 19 years of recurrent Syrian shelling; the passage of Israeli and Israel-bound shipping through the Straits of Tiran was ensured; and Jerusalem, which had been divided under Israeli and Jordanian rule since 1949, was reunified under Israel’s authority.

After the Six-Day War, Israel captured the West Bank, Gaza, the Golan Heights, East Jerusalem, and the Sinai Peninsula.

[ MAP: Israel’s land area before and after 1967 War. (Note: Israel gave back two very small portions of the Sinai Peninsula near the Suez Canal after the 1973 War) ]

[ Note: After their defeat, the Arabs convened a conference at Khartoum in August 1967 and created the famous resolution known as “The Three No’s”: “No peace with Israel; No recognition of Israel; No negotiations with Israel.” This attitude continues today. ]

– 1973
Three years of relative calm along the borders were shattered on Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement), the holiest day of the Jewish year, when Egypt and Syria launched a coordinated surprise assault against Israel (October 6, 1973), with the Egyptian Army crossing the Suez Canal and Syrian troops penetrating the Golan Heights.

During the next three weeks, the Israel Defense Forces turned the tide of battle and repulsed the attackers, crossing the Suez Canal into Egypt and advancing to within 20 miles (32 km.) of the Syrian capital, Damascus. Two years of difficult negotiations between Israel and Egypt and between Israel and Syria resulted in disengagement agreements, according to which Israel withdrew from parts of the territories captured during the war.

– 1982
Israel has never wanted a conflict with its northern neighbor, Lebanon. However, when the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) redeployed itself in southern Lebanon after being expelled from Jordan (1970) and perpetrated repeated terrorist actions against the towns and villages of northern Israel (Galilee), which caused many casualties and much damage, the Israel Defense Forces crossed the border into Lebanon (1982).

“Operation Peace for Galilee” resulted in removing the bulk of the PLO’s organizational and military infrastructure from the area. For the next 18 years, Israel maintained a small security zone in southern Lebanon adjacent to its northern border to safeguard its population in Galilee against attacks by hostile elements.

– 1987
The first Palestinian Intifada (uprising) starts in December.

– 1993
The Oslo Accords establish limited Palestinian self-rule in the West Bank and Gaza on September 13, 1993.

– 2000
Israel withdrew all its forces from the security zone in southern Lebanon in May. Lebanon, however, failed to comply with UN Security Council Resolutions 425 and 1559, which called for the dismantling of Hezbollah and the deployment of the Lebanese army in southern Lebanon.

Then, on September 28, 2000, the Second Intifada started after Ariel Sharon visits the Temple Mount, sparking Palestinian protests.

– 2005
Israel withdrew from Gaza Strip—for peace—allowing the Palestinians to govern the land themselves.

– 2006
Hamas wins Palestinian elections. After a civil war, it takes control of Gaza while Fatah, another political party, controls the West Bank.

Violence erupted in July of 2006, following Hezbollah’s abduction of two Israeli soldiers and bombardment of Israel’s northern cities. In the ensuing conflict, which came to be known as the Second Lebanon War, over 4,000 rockets were fired at civilian targets in Israel. The fighting concluded in August of 2006 and UNSC Resolution 1701 was passed, calling for the unconditional release of the captured Israeli soldiers, the deployment of UNIFIL and Lebanese soldiers throughout southern Lebanon, and the establishment of an embargo on weapons supplied to Lebanese armed groups.

– 2008
Following Israel’s 2005 withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and four settlements in the northern West Bank, and the election of Hamas in 2007, terrorism against Israel increased (December 2008-January 2009).

Thousands of rockets were fired into southern Israel from the Gaza Strip, resulting in damage to property and both physical and psychological injury to the population living in the south. Israel was forced to take military action in the form of “Operation Cast Lead.”

– 2014
A seven-week conflict between Israel and Hamas (July-August) leaves over 2,200 Palestinians and 73 Israelis dead.

– 2023
After Hamas launches attacks into Israel (on October 7), over 1,400 people were killed, over 6,900 injured, and over 240 Israeli and foreign nationals were taken hostage, Israel declares war on Hamas.

[ FYI: For some additional details about Israel’s history, view this previous “Life’s Deep Thoughts” posts:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/why-jerusalem-v291/ ]

– “OCCUPIER”
As was mentioned in the timeline overview above, the Israelites conquered the Canaanite land circa 1200 BC, and then King Solomon built the First Temple in 960 BC. So, Israel has been in the land since, at least, then.

In recent history, the League of Nations—the precursor to the United Nations—identified Great Britain as a kind of ‘manager’ of Israel after World War I. The Ottoman Empire’s defeat had led to the Sykes-Picot Agreement, where two men—Sykes (a Brit) and Picot (a Frenchman)—were commissioned to carve up the Middle East for Great Britain and France. They kept the name Palestine, and proposed a Mandate for Palestine in April 24, 1920.

[ MAP: 1920 British mandate showing the boundaries of the Jewish National Home land. ]

However, in 1922, the British created what was called in the memorandum, “Trans-Jordania,” which was all the land east of the Jordan River, because of serious Arab opposition—reducing the land for the Jewish National Home to 22% of the original 1920 Mandate.

[ MAP: 1922 British mandate showing the boundaries of the Jewish National Home land. ]

Then, in a 1938 report to the League of Nations, the British made this important distinction: “The name ‘Palestine’ is not a country but a geographic region.”

Then, in February 1969, Yasser Arafat took over the PLO, took the name Palestine, and turned it into a new ‘group’ of people, Palestinians, and a new “country,” Palestine.

The thing is, the truth about the PLO’s terrorist intent then leaked out over the next few years. Then, in 1977, PLO spokesman Zuheir Mohsen made a statement that should be heeded to this day. In an interview with the Dutch newspaper, Trouw, he declared, “The Palestinian people does not exist. The creation of a Palestinian state is only a means for continuing our struggle against the state of Israel for our Arab unity… Today there is no difference between Jordanians, Palestinians, Syrians, and Lebanese. Only for political and tactical reasons do we speak today about the existence of a Palestinian people.”

Yes, the Palestinians are Arabs. Nothing has changed since Zuheir Mohsen’s 1977 statement except that Gazan Arabs are now ruled by Hamas terrorists and much of the Palestinian population under Mahmoud Abbas still suffers from a corrupt leadership that funnels hate for Jews and Israel through their media day and night.

So, while Roman Emperor Hadrian, former PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, and all BDS (Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions) activists shout the name Palestine, it is NOT a country. It still is a ‘part’ of the Land God ‘deeded’ the Jews and He calls “Israel.”

[ FYI: A more detailed presentation of the naming of the land of Israel:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bBdkfxEMY4&t=415s ]

The thing is, as there is for other “countries,” there is not a Palestinian “currency,” there is no “Prime Minister,” there is no national ‘anthem’, nor is there any Palestinian “archeology.” Essentially this means that there has never been a Palestinian “nation.” In addition to this, today’s “Palestinians” are descendants of the waves of invaders who settled Israel throughout the centuries, and they ARE NOT descendants of the Canaanites.

So, Israel is NOT an “occupier” of the land since it has been theirs for over, conservatively, 3,500 years. Then, in addition to that, they withdrew from the Gaza Strip in 2005—in a ‘land for peace’ deal—allowing the “Palestinians” to govern the land themselves. In 2006, Hamas won the ‘elections’, and after a civil war, it took control and ‘responsibility’ of Gaza Strip and its people.

The thing is, no one objects to Saudi Arabia having only Muslims as citizens, and no one objects to Pakistan, Iran, and others, declaring themselves an “Islamic state” (They consider themselves ‘ethnic’ states). So then, why cannot Israel be considered an essentially ethnic state? Is it any less valid? Why is the “Jewish state” singled out for condemnation?

In addition to that, Israel has also never passed one law defining people by racial categories. In fact, Israelis and “Palestinians” are involved in a national conflict, not a race war.

Moreover, if Israel’s goal was an apartheid state, it has done an awful job. Israeli Arabs enjoy equal rights and have served as Supreme Court judges, Knesset members, key members of the last coalition. With about 20% of the population, Israeli Arabs are overly represented in Israel’s medical system: About 20% of the doctors, as much as 40% of the nurses and 43% of the pharmacists are Israeli Arabs. Finally, if Israelis hate Arabs so much and see them as inferior, why was there so much excitement about the Abraham Accords, and why are Hamas and Iran trying to subvert a Saudi-Arabian deal with Israel?

So, maybe Israelis don’t hate Arabs, but only pass laws protecting themselves against the ‘enemies’ who seek to destroy them.

– “GENOCIDAL INTENTIONS”
People accuse Israel of genocidal intentions and refer to Hamas as freedom-fighters, even though the Hamas ‘charter’ dictates that it is to wipe the Jews off the face of the earth.

These false cries that Israelis are targeting Palestinians for genocide reflect the sweeping, categorical, and thus genocidal tendencies in the Hamas charter, in the Oct. 7 sadism, and in too many twisted corners of the Palestinian national soul.

Hmmm… Zionists are even worse at genocide than they are at apartheid.

The facts were that Manasra had just viciously stabbed a 13-year-old Israeli boy riding on his bicycle. Israelis stopped Manasra, but they certainly did not kill him. In fact, Manasra was treated in Hadassah Hospital and released. The Israeli victim, however, at the time, was still in that hospital, desperately ‘clinging’ to life.

[ Note: Israeli Defense Forces has done more to safeguard the rights of civilians in a combat zone than ANY other army in the ‘history’ of warfare—even the U.S.! (They dropped millions of leaflets telling civilians in Gaza to go into south Gaza for safety and then, when they were in the Hamas tunnels under the Shifa hospital, they provided diesel fuel to the hospital so they could have power for care and surgeries and incubators for the new-born babies.) ]

The actual laws of war refer to the military ‘value’ of a target (how much of an impact would the target’s destruction have on the outcome of a battle or war) versus the expected threat to the lives or property of civilians. If the target has high military value, then it can be attacked even if it is deemed that there is a risk of civilian casualties. What has to be “proportional”—the term is not actually used in the relevant conventions—is the military value of the target versus the risk to civilians.

So, while Israel has NOT violated the laws of war, Hamas clearly HAS done so, hiding its fighters and missile launchers behind civilians, and by firing those missiles at civilians—both of which are prohibited by the Geneva Conventions.

No one would argue that Israel, or any other country, is without fault or above criticism. But, the lies told about Israel are disproportional and harmful, including because they encourage Palestinians to believe that if only they “resist” long enough Israel can be boycotted and divested into elimination. But all they and their cheerleaders are eliminating are the chances for a just peace for both peoples.

So, let me be clear: The moral onus for every death, every injury, every misfire, remains on Hamas for initiating this conflict. It is unfair to forget that ultimately war is a clash of powerful forces. If you want to win, it is logical—and moral—for your own side to mobilize as much force as it can, within the bounds of reason, of course, while not being immediately criticized. This is what Israel has done.

Secondly, unlike the Palestinian Authority, Israel has not ratified, and is not party to, the Rome Statute of the ICC.

To the extent that the ICC has any authority in such areas, it should actually be limited to the prosecution of war crimes by Palestinians. In fact, in 2017, the Jerusalem Institute of Justice (JIJ), sought to prosecute the supreme leader of Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh for war crimes against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. JIJ’s request included hundreds of pages of irrefutable evidence that such crimes had been committed against innocent Palestinians, including using them as human shields and stockpiling weapons in civilian infrastructure, further placing them in harm’s way. JIJ’s request to investigate Haniyeh fell on ‘deaf ears’.

So, by refusing to properly use its authority to prosecute war crimes by Palestinian leaders, while actively pursuing Israeli leaders outside of its authority, the ICC has applied a blatant ‘double standard’ to the Jewish state. The only term that fittingly defines the singling out of, and applying a double standard to, the only Jewish state in the world is: anti-Semitism.

The anti-Semitic treatment of Israel by a UN-sanctioned body should not come as a surprise to anyone living in 2021. But it is a disgrace of epic proportions that a court of law specifically dedicated to prosecuting war crimes should be used as a weapon against Israel, in the hands of the PLO, which itself has a rich history of carrying out war crimes.

Retired British army officer Colonel Richard Kemp pointed out that after the United Nations released the Goldstone Report (2009)—which claimed the Israeli Defense Force engaged in “war crimes” during “Operation Cast Lead—the Israeli Defense Forces were shown to perform more safeguarding the rights of civilians in a combat zone than any other army in the history of warfare.

The problem is that so many of our political leaders, human rights organizations and media believe the lies about Israeli war crimes and oppressions. They believe the lies about so-called occupation and so-called illegal settlements. They even believe the most preposterous lies that deny the Jewish connection to Jerusalem.

The truth is, Israel has abided by every international law concerning military action, and every operation of theirs has been reviewed legally, and found proper.

– “THERE IS NO PALESTINIAN STATE”
People says that there is the violence erupting because there is no Palestinian “state.” The reality is, as Netanyahu has explained in the past, the Palestinian Arabs have repeatedly rejected every single offer of a nation-state for their people. Again, the thing is, the only nation-state the Palestinian Arabs will accept is one with no Jewish State next to it.

The Jews found this compromise to be devastating, but Jewish leadership, pushed by David Ben-Gurion, decided that half a loaf was better than none. (Two years after the Holocaust ended, Ben-Gurion feared more bloodshed and the Jews needed a ‘state’.) However, the day after the U.N. Resolution passed, as Jews finished singing and dancing, Arab rejectionists rioted and ‘trashed’ Jerusalem’s commercial district.

That started a historic pattern. Again, and again, the Jews offered compromises, were willing to split territory, and to cede territory. However, again and again, the Palestinian leadership rejected it. (No wonder the leading historian Efraim Karsh titled his book about the era “Palestine Betrayed,” emphasizing that Hitlerian extremists like the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem betrayed their own Palestinian Arab people.)

Then, in 1974, the United Nations passed a resolution endorsing “two States, Israel and Palestine… side by side within secure and recognized borders.” Thus began this diplomatic Holy Grail, pursuing a “two-state solution.” The most dramatic attempt to achieve it—the Oslo Peace Process of the 1990s—ended in bloodshed when, after the Camp David Peace Talks in 2000, Yasser Arafat rejected any compromise and led his people from negotiation right back into terrorism.

So yes, for decades there has been talk of a “two-state solution” but Palestinian diplomats and propagandists play a two-state ‘game’, implying that once they have their own territorial share, the conflict will end. However, the Palestinian leadership consistently refuses even to adjust its sweeping, all-or-nothing rhetoric promising to wipe Israel off the map. Palestinians have viewed Israel’s compromises—especially in 2008 with Hamas in Gaza—with no interest in a true ‘solution’ that leaves Israel intact. (Hamas’s charter is explicit about that.)

However, after October 7, 2023, most Israelis know that all this a ‘ruse’. Gazans had the potential to make a state in 2006. Instead, they turned their strip of land into a multi-layered stationary ‘warship’.

Now, still, this is not to say that the problem is insoluble. At certain moments, no one ever imagined peace with Egypt, Jordan, or the United Arab Emirates. Time will tell.

– “TRYING TO CHANGE THE TEMPLE MOUNT STATUS QUO”
The thing is, there are some additional facts that one needs to know about this categorical statement.

Israel is not trying to change the status quo on the Temple Mount.

– “TRYING TO DESTROY AL-AKSA MOSQUE”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told an anecdote about this:

So, Netanyahu explained that “This lie is about a hundred years old. It fomented many, many attacks. The Temple Mount stands. The Al-Aqsa Mosque stands. But the lie stands too, it persists.”

Over the past few decades, Israel has been the victim of a campaign of demonization and delegitimization of a kind directed at no other country, people, or cause.

To these obscene falsehoods—and more from the ‘left’—others have shrugged or, worse, nodded along. Even now, it is not the lies about Israel that are provoking such horror. It is the stuff about Jewish conspiracy theories and Jewish fascists.

Shocking and vile indeed. But this loathing of Jews is ‘umbilically’ connected to loathing of Israel. One of the slyest claims is that those protesting about anti-Semitism want to silence criticism of Israel. That is itself bigoted nonsense. Criticism is rational and legitimate. Pathological lying about Israel is not.

Israel is presented as a demonic conspiracy to manipulate the world. It is dwelt upon obsessively as a “global menace.” It is singled out for impossible double standards and is accused of crimes of which it is not only innocent but the victim such as genocidal aggression, illegality, colonialism, racism, ethnic cleansing, and the willful slaughter of civilians. Precisely the same derangement of reason that characterizes classic anti-Semitism. This is not a coincidence.

Yet, there is a deeper ‘link’ to all this. Judaism comprises an unbreakable and unique connection between the religion, the people, and the land. Denying any one of these three elements is to deny Judaism itself.

This doesn’t mean every Jew must be a Zionist, any more than the fact that many Jews don’t observe Shabbat.

What it does mean is that those who vilify Jewish nationhood in the Jews’ historic homeland as innately racist, or who endorse Palestinian fabrications writing the Jews out of their own national story, are not “criticizing” Israel. They are attacking Judaism itself.

Jewish leadership generally tries to avoid linking anti-Semitism to the subject of Israel. It says Israel “complicates the issue.” But that IS the ‘issue’.

One reason why Jewish leaders are reluctant to make this link is that many themselves believe some of the lies about Israel: that the settlements are illegal, or that the Israeli government is the obstacle to peace.

Remarkably, people still parrot wicked falsehoods about Israel—that the IDF deliberately killed peaceful demonstrators at the Gaza border, or that the nation-state law turns Israeli Arabs into second-class citizens. Both are lies. Accusing the IDF of killing innocent demonstrators is tantamount to slandering them as psychopathic child-killers. Claiming the nation-state law discriminates against Israeli Arabs is tantamount to calling Israel racist—merely because it is a Jewish nation-state.

It is almost as if these Jews are saying that it is fine to call Netanyahu a racist or accuse the IDF of being wanton child-killers—but to call Netanyahu a racist “puppet-master” or the IDF “Nazi” child-killers would be anti-Semitism. The distinction is dishonest and spurious.

These malicious slanders constitute the new anti-Semitism, and they will continue to contribute inadvertently to the appalling climate of hate that now threatens to engulf them.

Clearly, the “Palestinians” and their propagandists have developed a whole lexicon—a series of talking points and slogans that distort words, negate history and obscure their intentions. Israel has gone along with these lies for far too long, often being bullied into guilelessness by a gullible international community.

Sadly, October 7, 2023 was a nightmarish ‘wake-up call’. The ‘game’ of buying into Palestinian lies and international niceties ended when those terrorists swarmed the peaceful kibbutzim and villages, sowing death, and destruction. The challenge now is creating a new reality—and a new lexicon to acknowledge that reality—and build a better, fairer and genuinely safer new Middle East from there.

‘TRUTHS’ ABOUT ISRAEL
Having presented the many ‘lies’ and accusations being told about Israel above, let me try to respond to some of them by giving you some of the ‘facts’ you probably have not heard.

PERFORMS ‘REAL’ HUMAN RIGHTS
Retired British army officer Colonel Richard Kemp pointed out that after the United Nations released the Goldstone Report (2009)—which claimed the Israeli Defense Force engaged in “war crimes” during “Operation Cast Lead”—Kemp told the U.N. Human Rights Council that, “During Operation Cast Lead, the Israeli Defense Forces did more to safeguard the rights of civilians in a combat zone than any other army in the history of warfare.”

Kemp told The Endowment for Middle East Truth (EMET) audience:

“In the Middle East, lies have become the central pillar of our enemies’ strategy against us.

“The problem is that so many of our political leaders, human rights organizations and media cannot recognize this tactic that’s being used against us—this tactic of lies. They believe the lies about Israeli war crimes and oppressions. They believe the lies about so-called occupation and so-called illegal settlements. They even believe the most preposterous lies that deny the Jewish connection to Jerusalem.

“This is why I believe the Israel-Palestine conflict has worn on for so long and threatens to wear on and on, without resolution. We do not understand that we have repeatedly shown weakness. Instead of telling the truth with strength and courage, we have met lies with weakness and fear.”

Yet, he also said that “We know the truth. We know the Palestinian leadership will not accept any peace with Israel short of outright capitulation.

“Whatever the true intentions of the Palestinians, a brief look around the Middle East will confirm in the mind of any military man… that withdrawal would equal suicide.”

Kemp continued saying:

“For decades, we’ve tried reasoning with the Palestinians, making concessions, patronizing them. It hasn’t worked. And it won’t work. They see it as weakness. And weakness provokes them and emboldens them to demand more and give less. We have to try a different approach. Above all, we must find a way to make the Palestinian leaders pay the price. No more concessions. No more providing hope for their warlike ways. If we continue to appease and excuse them, we simply encourage them to carry on killing, maiming and provoking war.”

Kemp concluded with this assertion:

“A hardline approach putting pressure on both Palestinians and Arab states alike will ally truth—the truth of EMET—with strength and courage… and has a far greater chance of allowing the people of Israel and Palestine to live in some form of long-term peace rather than the failed appeasement of the past decade.”

If there is one word that best explains Israelis’ current frustration and fury, it is “disengagement.” Eighteen years ago, there were some weapons in Gaza, no tunnels, and a limited terrorist infrastructure, because Israel still retained some control. Yet, almost immediately after withdrawing from Gaza, primitive Qassam rockets started bombarding Israel—while critics kept bombarding Israel with the “occupation” charge. The violence against Israel—and the criticism—intensified when Hamas seized power in Gaza in 2007, brutally killing fellow Palestinians!

Under the gun, now facing an implacable foe vowing to exterminate the Jewish state and the Jews (see the Hamas charter), Israel tried blockading Hamas. As a result, a whole series of lies burst forth:

– That Israel is still occupying the territory, even though it withdrew completely. (However, in fact, note how little control it had and how ineffectual its blockade was as Hamas built its deadly arsenal)

– That Gaza is the “most densely populated place on earth” (Although it doesn’t even compare to Manhattan, Hong Kong, and other ‘skyscraper’ city centers)

– That the Zionists have made it an “open-air prison” or concentration camp (Even Egypt, which controls Gaza’s southern border, keeps Gazans far, far away from themselves!)

In short, Israel did everything it said it would when it disengaged. In doing so, Israel betrayed many of its own citizens. Nevertheless, Israel ended up with no peace, no peace of mind and a piece of territory that became “Hamastan” rather than the Mediterranean resort it could have been if its governing body had put its generous international aid to good use. The thing is, today, Israel has on its border a hostile, seething ‘launching pad’ for tens of thousands of rockets and marauders, exporting much trauma and misery, while using their own people as human ‘shields’.

Investors purposely sought property that would not displace Arabs, so they purchased tracts that were largely unwanted, uncultivated, and swampy. Bard continued: “It was only after the Jews had bought all of the available uncultivated land, that they began to purchase cultivated land. Many Arabs were willing to sell because of the migration to coastal towns and because they needed money to invest in the citrus industry.”

Sir John Hope Simpson, a British land settlement official observed, in 1930, that “They [the Jews] paid high prices for the land, and in addition they paid to certain of the occupants of those lands a considerable amount of money which they were not legally bound to pay.”

By 1944, Jewish investors continued to pay exorbitant prices to wealthy landowners for small parcels of arid or semiarid lands. Land records from 1880 to 1948 show that 73% of Jewish plots were purchased not from the poor Arab peasant farmers or agricultural laborers, but from large landowners. The policy worked until the Palestinian Authority under Yasser Arafat issued a death penalty for all Arabs who sell land to Jewish Israelis. (In 1997 a 70-year-old Arab real-estate dealer was murdered after he violated the edict. In the same year, three more Arab land dealers were killed, and a fourth disappeared. To this day, Arafat’s successors have not repudiated this decree.)

Most Jewish land purchases were made through organizations and involved large tracts of land belonging to absentee landowners. Much of the land was uncultivated and swampy, rocky, or sandy. Nevertheless, Jewish organizations were willing to pay exorbitant prices. For example, rich black soil in Iowa sold for $110/acre while Jews paid $1,000/acre for arid and semi-arid land in Palestine!

So, in 1948, the State of Israel was founded largely upon public land passed from the Ottoman Empire through the British Mandate to the newly founded Jewish State. Only 30% of the land was privately owned by Jews and Arabs. Some of those Arabs remained and became citizens of Israel. Other Arabs fled and abandoned their property thereby losing title to it.

Arab residents fled for several reasons, but most did so voluntarily. Many followed the call to flee by neighboring Arab leaders who claimed they were sending in armies to destroy the Jews in a bloodbath. Though that did not happen, it was still a war, and people often flee for safety in times of war. (In some instances, Jewish fighters forced them out for security reasons.)

All this to say that, from the Arabs point of view, all these lands “belonged” to them and they consider themselves to be the rightful ‘owners’. HOWEVER, the Arabs NEVER exercised sovereignty over these lands, and did not own most of the land by private purchase. It was government land that had belonged to the Ottoman Empire, and before that, to various Turkish empires.

So, if there had been any ‘actual’ owners in history, they were probably Jews during King Solomon’s reign, back in about 950 BC—about 3,000 years ago!

[ MAP: The Empire of King Solomon – 1000 BC ]

A LONG HISTORY OF “NO”
Frustratingly, the consistent approach adopted by almost every Arab leader since the 1930s has been to say “No” to most Israeli offers for peace:

AN “ALTERNATIVE UNIVERSE”
Israel’s Ambassador to the U.S., Ron Dermer, characterized the lies told about Israel as not merely alternative facts but “an alternative universe of real lies with real consequences.” Dermer continued:

“In this alternative universe,” he said, “the Jews are the occupiers of Judea, the Western Wall is occupied Palestinian territory and the Jewish people have no rights in a land that we have lived in for nearly 4,000 years and to a capital that we have faced in prayer for over 2,000 years.

“In this alternative universe, Israel is routinely accused of being a racist, apartheid state, despite being the only country in the Middle East where Arabs are free, despite being the only country in history that took blacks out of Africa to freedom, and despite being the only country that has treated enemies bent on its destruction more compassionately than any country in history, period.”

Dermer added that, “In this alternative universe, President Abbas can step to the podium and accuse Israel of genocide to wild applause. Genocide is what’s happening to Christians in the Middle East. A century ago, Christians accounted for 20 percent of the Middle East; today that number is under 4 percent and dropping with only one exception. The only country with a growing and thriving Christian community is in the State of Israel, where it is five times bigger today than it was in 1948.”

As to Abbas’ claim of genocide against his people, Dermer said, “Genocide against the Palestinians? A population that under Israel’s control has tripled in size. Some genocide.”

Dermer continued: “In this alternative universe, the Palestinian leadership can be cast as peacemakers despite rejecting every peace offer for decades and despite naming public squares after killers, educating their children to hate Jews and paying terrorists to murder Jews.”

Dermer next addressed the threat of a nuclear Iran:

“The truth is that as dangerous as the daily lies in this alternative universe are, they pale in comparison to the dangers of the alternative universe that was created a couple of years ago to sell the nuclear deal with Iran to the American people.

“In this alternative universe, Iran’s path to the bomb has been blocked. In the real world, Iran’s path to the bomb has been paved.”

What is more, Dermer said that money supposedly being used to help Iran “is being used to gobble up countries in the region and arm and finance its terror proxies in the Middle East and beyond.”

Then, on Israel’s southern border, they face a growing danger from ISIS in the Sinai. A menacing message from Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi proclaimed: “We are getting closer to you day by day. Do not think that we have forgotten about you.”

To the northwest, Iran is on its way to building a nuclear arsenal and achieving its aim, as the rogue nation’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei put it: “To erase Israel from the map.”

So, clearly, Israel is ‘SPECIAL’ to the Muslim world, just not in the way that Jesus or even most of history’s ‘moral teachers’ would agree with!

“On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your offspring I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates”
[ Genesis 15:18 ].

“I will make you exceedingly fruitful, and I will make you into nations, and kings shall come from you. And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you. And I will give to you and to your offspring after you the land of your sojournings, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession, and I will be their God’”
[ Genesis 17:6-8 ].

“I will multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and will give to your offspring all these lands. And in your offspring, all the nations of the earth shall be blessed,”
[ Genesis 26:4 ].

“I am the Lord, the God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac. The land on which you lie I will give to you and to your offspring”
[ Genesis 28:13 ].

“You are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be His people, His treasured possession”
[ Deuteronomy 7:6 ].

“And I will appoint a place for my people Israel and will plant them, that they may dwell in their own place and be disturbed no more”
[ 1 Chronicles 17:9 ].

“O Israel: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine’…For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior… Because you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you… Fear not, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east, and from the west I will gather you… ‘You are my witnesses,’ declares the Lord, ‘and my servant whom I have chosen’”
[ Isaiah 1c-d, 3a-b, 4a-b, 5a-c, 10a-b ].

“You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will be glorified.”
[ Isaiah 49:3 ].

“I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth”
[ Isaiah 49:6b ].

“Thus says the Lord, the Redeemer of Israel and his Holy One, to one deeply despised, abhorred by the nation, the servant of rulers: ‘Kings shall see and arise; princes, and they shall prostrate themselves; because of the Lord, who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you’”
[ Isaiah 49:7 ].

“For behold, days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will restore the fortunes of my people, Israel and Judah, says the Lord, and I will bring them back to the land that I gave to their fathers, and they shall take possession of it”
[ Jeremiah 30:3 ].

“For behold, in those days and at that time, when I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem, I will gather all nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. There I will put them on trial for what they did to my inheritance, my people Israel, because they scattered my people among the nations and divided up my land”
[ Joel 3:1-2 ].

“You only have I chosen of all the families of the earth;”
[ Amos 3:2a ].

“I will plant Israel in their own land, never again to be uprooted from the land I have given them,” says the Lord your God”
[ Amos 9:15 ]

“For thus said the Lord of hosts, after his glory sent me to the nations who plundered you, for he who touches you touches the apple of his eye”
[ Zechariah 2:8 ].

Well, within that speech, Netanyahu made a statement that related very well to the ‘theme’ of this post:

“This is why, as Prime Minister of Israel, I can promise you one more thing: Even if Israel has to stand alone, Israel will stand.”

[ VIDEO: Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: “Israel will stand”:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QH5fhrxkZeY&t=2290s ]

ISRAEL’S ‘FINAL’ WAR?
So, to answer the question I posed in the introduction of this post, if the current conflict in Israel escalates into a broader war—that will include all of Israel’s ‘sworn’ enemies in the Middle East—will this be the ‘FINAL’ WAR for Israel, one that they will NOT BE ABLE TO ‘WIN’?

NO, the Bible says GOD will ‘fight’—and win—for Israel, His ‘Chosen People’, even when, in the ‘natural’, it looks like they are going to be exterminated.

In addition to that, God still needs to finish His ‘discipline’ of them for not accepting His Son, Jesus, as their Messiah, to purge non-believing Israelites, for the nation to be reconciled for their iniquities, and for the Jewish ‘remnant’ to be converted to believing in Jesus as their Savior (Daniel 9:24; Jeremiah 30:7; Ezekiel 20:36-38; Ezekiel 36:25-28; Zechariah 13:9; Thessalonians 1:10) .

These previous things are what the ‘Tribulation’ is primarily about—refining God’s ‘relationship’ with Israel, after the “Church Age” has ended (the “Seventieth Week” of Daniel).

Now, also, the ‘world’ will also be ‘disciplined’—undergoing the wrath of God for its unbelief—with LESS THAN 50% of the people SURVIVING! (First 25% of the population, then 33% of the remaining people.) [ All this is because of their rejection of the Bible and unbelief in Jesus as their Savior. ]

“I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.”

“To your offspring I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates.”

“I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you.”

“I will multiply your offspring as the stars of Heaven and will give to your offspring all these lands.”

“I am the Lord, the God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac. The land on which you lie I will give to you and to your offspring”

“You are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be His people, His treasured possession.”

“I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.”

“You only have I chosen of all the families of the earth.”

Israel and the Jewish people are God’s ‘CHOSEN’ and ‘ETERNAL’ people. So, the “ethnic state” of Israel will never be ‘abandoned’ or exterminated, and all who accept Jesus as their Messiah WILL be saved for eternity!

THIS IS A ‘SPIRITUAL’ BATTLE
The ‘root’ of all aggression against Israel is not political or ideological—it is a ‘spiritual’ battle.

The following show a few of the ‘spiritual’ issues ‘played out’ in the real world.

Ever since then, the Arab community has decried the transfer of property into Jewish hands saying, “You are selling the property of your fathers and grandfathers for a pittance to people who will have no pity on you… This is a crime… a black stain and disgrace that your descendants will bear.”

Israel’s critics also alleged that land sales have led to the eviction of poor Arab tenants, robbing them and their families of their livelihood and sending them into deep poverty. However, only a few thousand people were displayed related to the land sales between 1880 in the late 1930s (and possibly less). [ Ultimately, just 600 Arabs were determined to be landless, and only 100 accepted offers of land by Israel. ]

Moreover, David Ben-Gurion called on the Jews in 1920 not to buy land from fellahs (native peasants). The Labor Zionist leader insisted that “Under no circumstances must we touch land belonging to fellahs or worked by them. Only if a fellah leaves his place of settlement should we offer to buy his land, at an appropriate price.”

Nor did the Jews “cherry-pick” the best land. Much of the land that was bought was sand dunes or swamps, and uncultivated when it was purchased. The Jews founded Tel Aviv in 1909 on sand hills purchased “piecemeal, from Europeans, Turkish, and principally Arab landlords, mostly at extremely high prices.”

The thing is, Muslims view the land of Israel itself as their proper possession. Under Islam, any land once subjugated by Islam must remain so—even if the occupants are predominantly non-Muslims. That is why Muslim countries, with the notable exception of Egypt and Jordan, refuse to make peace with Israel. Despite painful confessions on the part of Israel, Muslim rulers reject the Jewish state existence and refuse to live in peace with them—because that is what Islam “requires.”

So, claims that Israel ‘stole’ Palestinian lands are a myth. Again, in 1948, Britain allotted 187,00 acres of cultivable land to Arabs and 4,250 acres to Jews. Then, over time, the Jews purchased land from the Arabs at a very exorbitant cost—at $1,000 per acre! So, the Jews DID NOT run the Arabs out of the land, they purchased it from them.

Even King Abdullah of Jordan acknowledged in his memoirs that the Jewish displacement of Arabs was fiction. He noted that Arabs freely sold land and later lamented the sales. Much of modern Israel was purchased, not seized. (Even Arabs did not give their fellow Arabs what they are demanding of Israel today.)

The thing is, the Gaza Strip is ‘technically’ part of Israel’s land, though it is controlled by the Hamas government today. (The Gaza Strip is a narrow six–mile-wide by 25-mile-long coastal area on the Mediterranean Sea just north of Egypt and in the southwest ‘corner’ of Israel.)

At times, Israel has compromised significantly offering concessions that are disadvantageous to their own nation in hopes of trading land for peace. Sadly, land has been conceded, but peace has never materialized!

Land concessions were made again in 2005 when Israel unilaterally withdrew Jewish settlements from Gaza and parts of the West Bank in hopes of placating Palestinians and reducing friction. That didn’t work either.

[ Note: Combining the 22 Arab states, including Iran, they have over 710 times more land than the state of Israel (Source: Z.O.A.) ]

The thing is, Israel’s very existence remains unacceptable and intolerable to virtually all Palestinian leadership. THAT is the ‘problem’. Israel’s ‘EXISTENCE’!

The 85th anniversary of Kristallnacht just happened—on November 8, 2023—and the similarities in anti-Semitism are striking. It has reared its ugly ‘head’ across the globe with an intensity unparalleled since the Holocaust.

There has been a 400% rise in anti-Semitism in the U.S. and a 500% rise throughout the world since the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. The threats worldwide have compounded the trauma Jewish people are experiencing:

– Students at many U.S. college campuses
– American professors support for Hamas, calling the attack “exhilarating”
– Anti-Israel demonstrations here in the United States
– Cries for ‘jihad’ throughout cities in Europe

For weeks, I have heard the reports about Jewish students being locked in a library for fear of protesters who burst past security to bang on the doors. I have even heard stories that Jewish students were threatened in their private homes. I have seen the footage of hundreds of thousands of anti-Israel and pro-Hamas demonstrators blocking the Brooklyn Bridge in New York and marching across Europe and Washington D.C. I have read about business owners in France posting signs in their storefront windows that say, “No Jews allowed.” I have seen pictures of people burning the Israeli flag or being physically kicked out of an NFL game for displaying it on their private box suite. I have also heard Jewish students describe how they have been instructed by their university staff to stay home during rallies or hide ‘signs’ of their Jewish identity. Then, more recently, I have read about the Anne Frank Kindergarten in Germany taking final steps to change its name because it is way “too political.” (I’m sure I have missed MANY more incidences that would make me even more ‘sad’.)

Antisemitism has always been present and on the rise in recent years but its dark resurgence in the form of an unholy alliance between the progressive left and radical Islam has produced a dangerous level of hatred for Jews and Christians in this generation. It is frightening to think that being a Jew in 2023 is strikingly similar to being a Jew in 1938.

The double standard and bias against Israel are not logical. The 500% rise in anti-Semitism is not incidental. It is part of a wave of SPIRITUAL ‘DARKNESS’ threatening Israel just like it did before the rebirth of Israel. (It is often been said that the modern-day nation of Israel is proof that God exists because its miraculous rebirth fulfilled biblical prophecy.)

The same principle applies when it comes to the darkness and evil we’re seeing today against the Jewish people. It is solid proof that there is a source of evil at work with one goal: To destroy Israel and ALL those who ‘align’ themselves with the God of Israel!

France has one of the largest Jewish communities in Europe—believed to number around 500,000 people—with the majority of French Jewry hailing from North Africa. It is also home to Western Europe’s largest Muslim population, with between 6-8 million people. This might be the reason that Jew-hatred in France has ‘exploded’ since the Hamas invasion in October.

On November 6, 2023, French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin said that some 486 individuals—including 102 foreign nationals—have been arrested across France for anti-Jewish offenses. The Interior Minister added that those arrested included “young kids who say very serious things” to adults involved in pro-Hamas riots in Paris and other French cities.

In addition, French authorities are probing numerous cases involving threatening graffiti with Stars of David on buildings in Paris. In the town of Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine, many graffiti messages included “Palestine will overcome.”

A Jewish woman in her 30s was seriously stabbed outside of her home in the city of Lyon (in the southeastern part of France), where swastika graffiti was discovered on her door. According to her lawyer, she was stabbed in the stomach twice by the perpetrator and needed hospital treatment, but did not sustain life-threatening injuries.

Thankfully, French President Emmanuel Macron expressed France’s support of the Jewish state, in a recent visit to Israel, and its war against the terror organization Hamas.

Macron stressed that Hamas constitutes a threat to Israel and to the entire free world, stating: “This fight against terrorism is obviously a matter of existence for Israel, but it’s a matter of existence for all of us.”

Another ‘sad’ note is that the United Nations—whose stated purposes are to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and serve as a center for harmonizing the actions of nations—has condemned Israel more than ALL OTHER COUNTRIES ‘COMBINED’ in 2022. The General Assembly approved 15 anti-Israel resolutions versus ONLY 13 resolutions ‘criticizing’ ALL other countries.

[ Hmmm… think that is even ‘reasonable’ with countries like Iran, North Korea, and China? I DON’T think so! ]

Back in 1964—three years before the Six-Day War—the slogan “From the River to the Sea, Palestine will be free” was popularized by the Palestinian activists and terrorists who founded the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). Their aims were not to liberate the “occupied territories,” they wanted to—and still do—”liberate the world from Israel itself.” They envisioned the TOTAL ‘EXTERMINATION’ of Israel. [ Similarly, since Hamas emerged in the late 1980s, the slogan has been a Hamas and Islamic Jihad mainstay. ]

So, the October 7, 2023 invasion offers at least one clear lesson: If your enemy calls for your destruction, believe them! “From the River to the Sea” leaves no room for a Jewish ‘state’ or ANY Jews!

The fact that the Jews are God’s chosen people means that they have been held to a higher ‘standard’. From those who are given much, much is required (Luke 12:48), or as God said through one prophet, “You only have I chosen of all the families of the earth; therefore, I will punish you for all your sins” [ Amos 3:2 ].

Israel’s responsibilities have included keeping and preserving the Law (Joshua 22:5), being “a kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (Exodus 19:6), and bringing “renown and praise and honor” to the Lord (Jeremiah 13:11). Their high ‘calling’ is straight from the God who chose them out of all the nations of the earth.

The miraculous history of the Jews further demonstrates the everlasting nature of God’s Covenant with them. While other nations, people, groups, and civilizations have risen, fallen, and in some cases totally disappeared, the Jewish people have persisted, not only in their existence but, more importantly, in their distinct identity as God’s “chosen people.” The Jews can trace their existence back almost 4,000 years. No other group currently living in, or claiming of right to, the Holy Land even comes close to this. The ability of the Jews to defy the seemingly inevitable pattern of civilizations eventually dying out and disappearing speaks to the continuance of God’s covenant with the Jews!

The ultimate goal of God’s choice of the Jews as His chosen people was to produce the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who would be the Savior of the world. Jesus had to come from some nation or people, so God chose Israel. God first promised the Savior/Messiah after Adam and Eve sinned (Genesis 3). Later, God specified that the Messiah would come from the line of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Genesis 12). Later still, He narrowed the Messiah’s ancestry to the line of David (2 Samuel 7). Throughout their history, the people of Israel were aware of their “chosen” status before God (see 1 Kings 3:8; 8:53; Psalm 105:43; Isaiah 43:4; 65:9; and Amos 3:2). The fact that God has an eternal future for Israel is evident in that five-sixths of the Bible bears directly or indirectly upon them—Jesus being the central figure who brought the Jews and Gentiles together (Ephesians 2:14).

Now, even though Israel has ‘disobeyed’ many times—and was punished for those times—God will never ‘fully’ reject them (Leviticus 26:44-45). In short, God will never abandon His chosen people no matter what they do—but it’s going to be ‘costly’ for them. [ Again, that’s what the “Great Tribulation” is all about. ]

So, the last ‘chapter’ of this long and turbulent ‘romance’ has yet to be written. This is why Israel is VERY ‘SPECIAL’ to God and why He is “very jealous for Jerusalem and Zion” [ Zechariah 1:14; 8:2a ]. Zechariah continues by saying that God “will return to Jerusalem with mercy, and there My house will be rebuilt” [ Zechariah 1:16b ]. So, when God will finally be finished ‘dealing’ with His chosen people—at the end of the Great Tribulation when Jesus returns for His Second Coming—He will give to them everything He had promised them originally.

– I ‘CHOSE’ YOU
Jesus said, “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last” [ John 15:16a ].

“This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished—he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus”
[ Romans 3:22-26 ].

Now, here’s the best part: Once God has ‘chosen’ you, He WILL NEVER un-choose you! Your girlfriend or boyfriend might break up with you, or the coach might bench you for the rest of the season, you might get fired from your dream job or get divorced from your spouse. However, when you are ‘chosen’ by God, it is a DONE ‘DEAL’!

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:

“For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord”
[ Romans 8:31-39 ].

The thing is, the believer has the unwavering ‘confidence’ of a ‘direct’ connection with the Creator of the universe—that WILL NEVER be taken away! They simply get to respond to that security by following God in faith and obedience and producing ‘fruit’ that will last (good works that will be ‘rewarded’ in Heaven).

[ FYI: For more details on the ‘kinds’ of good works that will be rewarded in Heaven, view this previous “Life’s Deep Thoughts” post:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/heaven-on-earth-v289/ ].

SO, it makes me wonder if YOU are one of the ‘chosen’ having put your trust ‘in’ Jesus for your salvation.

If not, please consider reading a previous “Life’s Deep Thoughts” post that addressed how to trust ‘in’ Jesus:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/learning-to-t-r-u-s-t-v263/ ]

– THE ’BURDEN’ OF BEING CHOSEN
Returning to the “Fiddler on the Roof” story, Tevye felt the burden of being chosen—just like the Jews have felt over all these years.

[ FYI: For more details about the Jews being ‘chosen’—and how YOU can be ‘chosen’, view this previous “Life’s Deep Thoughts” post:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/are-you-adopted-v293/ ]

His name, “Emmanuel,” means “God with us” and is the Name above all names that will ‘free’ ANYONE who ‘calls’ on Him as their Savior and Lord.

It is ‘clear’ that the Bible presents that faith in Jesus is THE ONLY ‘WAY’ to God. So, what are you going to do with that information? What are you going to ‘do’ with Jesus?

Are you going to allow the philosopher’s deceiving words to mistrust Jesus? Will you let the musings of humans carry more ‘weight’ than the message of God? PLEASE DON’T!

So, again, what is your decision about Who Jesus really is? It is THE MOST IMPORTANT question you will EVER ANSWER!!!

The ‘natural’ man will not get the idea that Jesus is God and the ONLY ‘WAY’ to the Father—this ‘insight’ comes from ‘Heaven’. Jesus said to the Apostle Peter: “‘Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven’” [ Matthew 16:17 ]. We must all be on our ‘faces’ BEGGING God to provide the ‘gift’ of atonement through Jesus, and then ‘instill’ the Holy Spirit into us so that we can ‘hear’ His ‘voice’: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” [ John 10:27 ].

The Bible says Jesus will “roar from Zion and thunder from Jerusalem; the earth and the Heavens will tremble. But the LORD will be a refuge for His people, a stronghold for the people of Israel” [ Joel 3:16 ].

I pray you will make this question about Jesus’ exclusivity of being the ONLY ‘WAY’ to God and Heaven your ONLY AMBITION until you answer it for yourself, and you DO SO with all the VORACITY you can muster—and SOON!

[ For more details about way Jesus is the ‘only’ answer to humanity’s problems, view these previous “Life’s Deep Thoughts” post:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/the-only-way-v253/
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/two-choices-one-way-v254/ ].

Then, after seven disastrous years of the Tribulation, Jesus will bodily return in power and glory. This event is known as the Second Coming. He will arrive with His angelic armies and the previously raptured Church to defeat the Antichrist—who will amass forces against Israel at the Valley of Megiddo in the final Battle of Armageddon—then He will proceed into Jerusalem to deliver His people and establish His Millennial Kingdom Reign over all the earth.

It seems that all the ‘signs’ for the End Times have been ‘posted’! All indicators revealing the End Time ‘stage’ is visibly being set exactly as the Bible predicted for the climatic conclusion of the “Church Age.”

[ FYI: Prophecy expert, Dr. David Reagan, has produced a list of the “50 Reasons Why We Are in Living in the End Times”:
https://christinprophecy.org/articles/50-reasons/ ]

So, at least for me, it looks like the Middle East is moving ever closer to the Bible’s predictions of cumulative geopolitical alignments, societal conditions, and “birth pangs” signaling the Rapture of the Church and then Jesus’ Second Coming (Matthew 24:33).

As the dark ‘clouds’ ominously gather, I pray all born-again believers step up to their ‘call’ to rescue every soul within their reach. My life vision—since I was born-again in 1998—has been to “Take as many people with me to Heaven as I can.”

It seems that the prophetic ‘chess pieces’ are being moved into their final position these days.

[ FYI: For more details about if this is the “last generation” on this earth, view this previous “Life’s Deep Thoughts” post:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/last-generation-v249/ ]

Then, there was World War II, where over 6 million Jews were killed. Since then, Israel has been in a dozen or so of ‘skirmishes’, a half dozen of which were ‘substantial’.

Dr. David Reagan, founder of “Lamb and Lion Ministries,” wrote a book earlier this year titled, “9 Wars of the End Times.” The following is his list:

– Psalm 83 War
– Gog and Magog
– “World War III” (Conventional; “Seal Judgements”)
– Continuing “World War III (Morphs into nuclear war)
– War in Heaven (Michael/Angels vs. Satan)
– Antichrist’s annihilation of the Jews (Revelation 12)
– Antichrist’s Middle East War (Daniel 11)
– Battle of Armageddon (Zechariah 14)
– Second Gog and Magog War

So, the following are my summarizations of the major wars and ‘events’ that will directly affect Israel:

PSALM 83
When the Palestinians realize it will not get a state and when they realized Jerusalem will not be its capital, they will try to seize Jerusalem. It says in Zechariah 12:2 that “Behold, I am about to make Jerusalem a cup of staggering to all the surrounding peoples.” They will then, at some point, because diplomacy will not work for them, attack the Jews. I think we are seeing the beginnings of this with all the terror attacks that are happening—especially October 7th. It looks like they are ‘hinting’ that there will be a Third Intifada. This is something Israel will not tolerate again.

“Arab Confederacy” (“Inner Circle” countries)

– “Edom” – Jordanians (“Tents of Edom” – Southern Jordanians)
– ‘Assyria” – ISIS, Syrians and Northern Iraqi’s
– “Gebal” – Hezbollah and Northern Lebanese
– “Tyre” – Hezbollah and Southern Lebanese
– “Philistia” – Hamas of the Gaza Strip (Muslim Brotherhood)
– “Hagarenes” – Egypt
– “Ishmaelites” – Saudi Arabia
– “Moab” – Palestinians and Central Jordanians
– “Ammon” – Palestinians and Northern Jordanians
– “Amalek” – Arabs of the Sinai

The second half of Psalm 83 is a prayer for Israel’s victory. The outcome of the war is not specifically stated in Psalm 83, but we know from other Scriptures that Israel will be victorious. (“That in the end times Israel will be like a firepot among pieces of wood, and a flaming torch among sheaths so that that they will consume on the right hand and on the left all the surrounding peoples” – Zechariah 12:6). They are going to be like David against Goliath.

The Arab population of these countries presently is 180 million, compared to Israel’s meager 8 million. This means there are about 22 Arabs to every Jew. [ Note: In Israel’s past they won conflicts with these kinds of odds: Gideon’s 300 versus 120,000 Midianites (Judges 8:10), was 400 to 1. Even the victories in 1948 and 1967 were of this magnitude ].

The Jewish prophet Obadiah, in a mysterious vision (Obadiah 1:1-21), identifies future names and places that can finally be deciphered in these present times. It tells of how this Palestinian generation will be judged for the historical crimes their Edomite fathers previously committed, and the current crimes they presently perpetuate against the Jewish people. The execution of this judgment upon the Palestinians will be delivered through the military might of Israel. In addition to this, Obadiah 1:19-20 implies that as a direct result of the Jewish conquest over the Palestinians (alluded to in verse 18), Israel will be significantly increased in both size and prosperity. It then states (verse 21) that Jewish sovereignty will be exercised over the conquered territory.

The intent of the annihilation will ‘boomerang’ on the Arab nations and will result in their overwhelming defeat. This will then produce great territorial expansion and enhanced national resources for Israel. It will also finally create peace for Israel—for a short while.

The thing is, the Psalm 83 confederate advance is a direct assault against the covenant God made with Abraham. It is an attempt to kill the Jewish people and confiscate their land. The preservation of both are critical elements contained within the covenant.

In keeping with the Israeli conquest over the Palestinians and the Jordanians, Zephaniah alludes to the ‘shriveling up’ of their respective gods (Zephaniah 2:10-11), which now so happens to be Allah. Islam will start to diminish in scale and influence.

But the security provided by Psalm 83 War will not last long because the Arab nations will turn to their natural ally Russia and cry out for help. The Russians will be delighted to respond to the Arab cry for help because they have always dreamed of taking over the oil fields of the Middle East.

Since the events leading up to the Arab-Israeli war probably created a worldwide crisis (possibly due to OPEC-induced oil shortages), and other countries will, surprisingly, be happy to see the Arabs defeated, since they are no longer fearful of terrorism and being in dire straits because of their oil-dependent economies as Israel gets the OPEC flow back into world markets. Ezekiel proclaims: “The whole earth will rejoice when I make you [Mount Seir] (the Arab confederacy) desolate” [ Ezekiel 35:14 ].

“Magog” – Central Asia (Southern Russia + former republics Kazakstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan)
“Rosh” – Russia
“Meshech” – Turkey
“Tubal” – Turkey/Southern Russia
“Beth-Togarmah” – Turkey (May also include Azerbaijan and Armenia)
“Gomer” – Turkey/Eastern Europe
“Persia” – Iran
“Cush” – Sudan
“Put” – Ethiopia/Libya (May include Algeria and Tunisia)
“Sheba” – Yemen
“Dedan” – Saudi Arabia

[ Note: Iraq may not be a part of this invading coalition because a rebuilt “Babylon” (capital of Iraq) may just be the headquarters of the Antichrist during the Tribulation Period. So, when God destroys the invading coalition, the Antichrist may take credit for it in ‘protecting’ Israel ].

To me, it seems odd that big, bad Russia would need to get all these big friends and form a coalition to take out tiny, little Israel. You would think that Russia has lots of nuclear weapons, and they really could handle Israel quite easily all by themselves. But, that just might show how ‘powerful’ Israel has become after the “Psalm 83” war.

So, Russia and the other coalition nations plan to ‘cash in’ on the tremendous wealth of Israel, wanting their “silver and gold,” “cattle and goods,” and “great spoil” (Ezekiel 38:11-13). This might be the mineral deposits in the Dead Sea, which are worth vitally trillions of dollars. But primarily, they will all be wanting to take over the oil fields that Israel ‘seized’ because of the Psalm 83 war, as well as the fields the Israelis already have.

[ Note: In addition to the huge oil field (“Meged-4”) found in 2004 (valued at $46 billion), they just discovered a huge gas field (near Karish) that is estimated to be valued at over $26 billion! ].

Now, even though the invaders themselves will “devise an evil plan” [ Ezekiel 38:10c ], it’s really not “Gog” making this all happen—God has ‘decreed’ this invasion: “I will turn you about and put hooks into your jaws, and I will bring you out, and all your army” [ Ezekiel 38:4 ]. Indeed, the enemy will say, “I will go up against the land” of Israel (Ezekiel 38:11), and for this, God will judge and destroy the entire coalition. Now, we may not fully understand the relationship between divine sovereignty and human freedom, but this passage is clear that both come into play in the “Gog and Magog” invasion.

In addition to wanting Israel’s “great booty,” they have a religious motivation for the invasion: the Islamic allies of Russia bitterly hate Israel and want their utter and complete destruction.

Also, scholars believe that the unstated agenda of the Russians and their real motivation will be to use the Arab invitation as an excuse to expand their sovereignty over all of the Middle East. This ulterior motive is described in Ezekiel 38:12, where it says the Russians will come to “capture spoil and to seize plunder.”

So why are there not any countries that are opposing this invasion? Well, for one, the world will likely be in a state of chaos following the Rapture, which will have had a ‘devastating’ effect on the United States, which has a heavy population of Christians. In addition to that, the U.S. may no longer be a superpower, as God may finally judge America for non-biblical stance on some issues: Taking prayer and Bible reading out of schools; Legalization of abortion; Defense of Marriage act struck down (one man to one woman); and the approval of same-sex ‘marriage’.

[ This might possibly be mentioned in Ezekiel 38:13 as the “young lions” (English-speaking countries founded by British immigrants, like the U.S. and Australia) are either protesting or on the ‘sidelines’ ].

Because of the Rapture, Russia and her Muslim allies may well seize the moment, considering this an ideal time to launch a massive attack against Israel, which had been previously protected by the United States, and the fact that most of the countries in the coalition will be Muslim, who didn’t get raptured.

So now, Israel is surrounded by the most massive military force ever, and we see God ‘supernaturally’ stopping these invading armies “on the mountains of Israel” (Ezekiel 39:4). He will accomplish this destruction with earthquakes, pestilence, hail storms, fire, brimstone, and battlefield confusion (soldiers will be fighting against their own side – Ezekiel 38:19-22). Even the Jewish people will recognize that the victory was not because of them, but was because of God, and many will ‘open their hearts’ to Him (Ezekiel 38:23).

As if all this wasn’t enough, God also promises, “I will send fire against Magog and those who dwell securely in the coastlands, and they will know that I am the LORD.” The armies of Gog and his allies are annihilated on the mountains of Israel, but the judgment extends simultaneously to their distant countries, that the ends of the earth may know and fear the God of the Bible.

Now, you may be asking why God is doing all of this. Well, He does this for a couple of reasons. First off, to save His “chosen people” who He promised would be preserved and never perish completely (Psalm 89:18-37; Jeremiah 31:35-37). Secondly, and primarily, He “will show My greatness and My holiness and make Myself known in the eyes of many nations. Then they will know that I am the Lord” [ Ezekiel 38:23 ], “And my holy name I will make known in the midst of my people Israel, and I will not let my holy name be profaned anymore. And the nations shall know that I am the Lord, the Holy One in Israel” [ Ezekiel 39:7 ].

This is God’s official ‘final notice’ to Israel to repent and ‘come’ to Him!

So, after this war, for seven months, they will be doing a ‘clean up’—burying the dead in a valley “east of the sea”, the “Valley of Hamon Gog” (which doesn’t exist today)—probably east of the “Dead Sea,” in Jordan (who surrenders sovereignty to Israel – Jeremiah 49:1-6). They will probably be doing this for a couple of reasons.

It might be because of nuclear decontamination, but more likely because they are gravitating back to reinstating the Mosaic “Law” (distinguished by the ritual requirement of “cleansing of the land” referred to in Leviticus). Unfortunately, this will not cause the nation, as a whole, to ‘come’ to God and believe in Son Jesus as their Messiah.

After all this is finished, Israel will gain world renown, awe, and superpower status.

This war will most likely occur three-and-one-half years BEFORE the Tribulation starts, since Ezekiel 39:9 states that the Jews will spend seven years “burning the weapons” that they captured (likely undetonated weapons will become a source of fuel for Israel that will last them through the first half of the Tribulation period).

So, if they are going to be burning weapons that they captured for seven years and Revelation 12 tells us that three-and-one-half years into the Tribulation the Jews will be evicted from the land by the Antichrist, then the only way the Jews could spend seven years burning the weapons is for this war to begin three-and-one-half years before the start of the Tribulation (when the Antichrist ‘signs’ a peace treaty with Israel). They then can burn weapons three-and-one-half years into the first half of the Tribulation because they’re living in what they believe is peace.

Isn’t it ironic that the Magog invaders intended to use their weapons to dispossess Israel of their new-found ‘booty’, which will include increased energy resources, but the opposite occurs? Israel converts the enemy weapons into additional energy sources for themselves, instead of having their energy resources stolen!

[ Note: It’s interesting that the “shelf life” of a nuclear implosion device is seven years ].

So, when God destroys the Muslim invaders prior to the Tribulation, it makes it much easier for the Antichrist to sign a covenant protecting Israel, and much easier for Israel to rebuild its temple. Before this war, there would have been too much Muslim resistance. But if many Muslims are taken out, that would be made much easier. It would also make it much easier for a false religion to emerge in the end times because the two primary people groups that would stand against that false religion are now removed. Christians were removed at the Rapture, and many Muslims were just taken out in the “Gog and Magog” invasion.

In addition to that, when God used a powerful earthquake to inflict punishment on the allied forces who were invading Israel, it stands to reason that it may have fulfilled the prophesied destruction of every structure on the Temple Mount—which would ‘pave the way’ for the building of the Third Jewish Temple.

This war will be the most horrific event in human history since the Flood, and will have consequences that will shake the rest of the world. The cry for a global organization that can prevent war will be deafening. The International Community will adopt a world-governing entity to eliminate the possibility of a global war ever taking place again—since it would probably wipe out everyone. The nations of the world will surrender their sovereignty to the new world government so that it can eliminate war completely.

This world government will be the culmination of years of planning that had already been in progress. As was said earlier, at this point, for several years, it would have been generally believed that there were two major causes for war on earth—conflicts between nations and conflicts between religions. The solution will be to do away with the nation-states and force everyone on earth to pledge allegiance to one single, ultimate political authority—a ‘ONE WORLD’ GOVERNMENT. It will also abolish the doctrinal differences between all religious organizations and coerce church leaders to sign declarations of unity with a single, all-inclusive religious authority—a ‘ONE WORLD’ RELIGION.

The Bible says that these two ‘entities’ will be governed by the Antichrist (with help by the False Prophet), since he probably aided in the negotiations for the peace agreement in the Middle East (Daniel 9:27).

When God destroys the massive military coalition, the balance of political and religious power in the world will shift. This will make things much easier for the Antichrist. More specifically, the destruction of the invaders will pave the way for the Antichrist to rise in power. With both Russia and a number of oil wealthy Muslim nations out of the way, far fewer nations will have the political clout to challenge his authority when he comes into power early in the Tribulation period. This will open up the way for a one-world government.

The “Gog and Magog” (Ezekiel 38) invasion is the ‘marquee’ event through which God draws the final ‘line’ in the sand, and ‘notifies’ the world that He is the one true God! The ‘credit’ for this supernatural defeat of the invaders will be given exclusively to Him.

God’s purpose in destroying the coalition, as Israel’s ‘protector’, to deliver them from harm. This is an outworking of the accent covenant God made with Abraham: “I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse” [ Genesis 12:3 ]. Surely the Muslims—who comprise most of this vast invading force—curse Israel and seek their destruction, and God will ‘curse’ them with an annihilating judgment!

In short, God’s destruction of this military coalition will be a powerful ‘testimony’ to His power, glory, and majesty, and show that Islam is a false ‘god’. (This reminds me of God’s deliverance of the Israelites from the Egyptians—who worshipped numerous gods that they considered more powerful than the one true God of the Bible. The Egyptians were soon to learn a hard lesson from God by the ten powerful plagues).

It can be anticipated that sometime shortly after the Muslims ‘digest’ what has happened in the “Psalm 83” and “Gog and Magog” wars, they may begin to question the power of their god Allah. First, they will be forced to wonder how a tiny state like Israel can defeat the powerful Arabs. (Many Muslims today are already asking that question in light of the failed attempts to destroy the Jewish state in 1948, 1967, and 1973).

Additionally, when world Muslims witness Israel receiving international notice—which occurs when they bury the Muslim hordes of Gog—they will inevitably be caused to question how the Jehovah of the Jews could successfully destroy the much more formidable Islamic forces. Zephaniah 2:8-11 actually suggests that Allah’s best days are behind him—the decline was ‘triggered’ by the Psalm 83 war and finally undone by the “Gog and Magog” war.

So, the Russian confederacy is defeated, and Israel’s fortunes are further restored and expanded: “Now I will restore the fortunes of Jacob and have mercy on the whole house of Israel, and I will be jealous for My holy name” [ Ezekiel 39:25b ]. In this process, Israel comes into a greater reverence of the God of Moses.

This judgment will serve to nullify any possible reprisal or future attempts at invasion. No further attack against Israel by these evil forces will be possible!

So, what is the Tribulation, and what are its purposes?

– The Wrath Of God
God’s anger can be compared to a cup that over time has been filling up, but is about to overflow. God’s anger has reached the lip of the cup. God’s very nature is patience, but His wrath will eventually pour out when His anger has finally reached its limit. God’s anger will finally consume the world in what the Bible calls the Day of the Lord. So, the first purpose involves the punishment for the world’s sin.

– Jewish People Coming To Know Jesus As Their Messiah
By the end of the Tribulation, the Bible reveals that two-thirds of the Jews will be killed tragically in a second ‘holocaust’. But, when Jesus returns, those remaining Jews will look up at the heavens, and they will weep and wail, and they will realize that Jesus is the Messiah. Dangling at the end of Antichrist’s rope, they will give their lives to Jesus as their Messiah.

– Gentiles Coming To Know Jesus As Their Savior
Revelation 6 talks about martyrs from every tribe, tongue, nation, and people standing before the throne of God and worshiping Him. So, we know that many Gentiles will come to know the Lord due to the trials of Tribulation as well, though most will reject Christ, unfortunately.

– Jesus’ Second Coming
Jesus finally returns back to earth, and when He does, He defeats Satan and the Antichrist, and He sets up His Millennial Kingdom for a thousand years.

The Bible describes a time in the future that will be a period of unparalleled horror on the earth. It portrays the slaughter of billions of people and the most horrendous ‘afflictions’ the world has ever seen.

The entire time is called “The Tribulation,” but the second half is given a special name, the “Great Tribulation”—a period of great suffering and distress. This will occur just before Jesus returns with the Church to defeat the Antichrist, overthrow evil, and then establish His 1,000-year reign on earth (Revelation 19:11-16). It is often seen as a fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecy of Daniel 9:24-27. [ Related verses: Psalms 2:1-12, Matthew 24:15-51, Mark 13:14-25, Revelation 9:1-11, 16:13-16 ].

So, some people ask then, “Why in the world would a God of love allow this to occur? Well, there are two main ‘purposes’ for the Tribulation. The first is that God is going to ‘JUDGE’ the world for their sin (not believers, because their sins were atoned for by Jesus 2,000+ years ago on the Cross). The second purpose is that God is going to ‘REACH OUT’, once again, to extend His grace to His chosen people, the Israelites, and will be giving them the opportunity to receive Jesus as their Savior (who they ‘shunned’ at His “First Coming”). This time will be a ‘holocaust’ of major proportions, since it combines the wrath of God (absolute justice), the fury of Satan (fierce anger), and the nature of man run wild (unrestrained evil).

[ God put Israel on the ‘back burner’ for the past 2,000+ years to allow the Gentiles to have a chance to become ‘children’ of God. ]

The only reason Jesus has not returned yet is because God wishes for more people to be saved (2 Peter 3:9). But sadly, many, if not most, will perish. Jesus said in His “Sermon on the Mount,” “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few” [ Matthew 7:13-14 ]. However, even the ‘worst of sinners’ can still be saved! (Matthew 12:31). [ Consider the Apostle Paul as the ‘quintessential’ example of this. ]

Jesus also said: “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life” [ John 5:24 ]. Jesus “delivers us from the wrath to come” [ 1 Thessalonians 1:10c ].

The thing is, ‘judgment’ usually motivates people. The prophet Isaiah put it this way: “When the earth experiences God’s judgments, the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness” [ Isaiah 26:9 ]. The good news is that a “great number” of people will turn their ‘hearts’ to God during the Tribulation, but they will have to go through ‘hell’ to make it happen!

[ You who are reading this DON’T have to go through the Tribulation if you repent and believe in Jesus! ]

The word “tribulation” comes to us from a Latin word meaning “to press” (as grapes), and refers to times of oppression, affliction, and distress. The Greek word that is used, “thlipsis,” is translated as “affliction,” “anguish,” “persecution,” “trouble,” and “burden.” Throughout Scripture, the Tribulation is referred to by other names such as the “Day of the Lord” (Isaiah 2:12; 13:6-9; Joel 1:15; 2:1-31; 3:14; 1 Thessalonians 5:2); “trouble” or “tribulation” (Deuteronomy 4:30; Zephaniah 1:1); the “Great Tribulation” (Matthew 24:21); “day of trouble” (Daniel 12:1; Zephaniah 1:15); and “time of Jacob’s trouble” (Jeremiah 30:7).

God will finish His ‘discipline’ of Israel and finalize His judgment of the unbelieving world. The Church—made up of all who have trusted in the person and work of Jesus to save them from being punished for sin—will not be present during the Tribulation. As just mentioned, the Church will be removed from the earth in an event known as the “Rapture” (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Corinthians 15:51-53), and is saved from the wrath to come (1 Thessalonians 5:9).

Most of the specific details about this period of time are in the “Book of Revelation” (with some other details in Deuteronomy, Ezekiel, Jeremiah, Daniel, Isaiah, Zephaniah, Amos, 1 Thessalonians, and Matthew, Mark, and Luke), and is presented by the Apostle John using the visual of a ‘scroll’ with seven “Seals.”

[ FYI: Here’s a quick overview of the “Tribulation” period ]:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tP3yN8snsc&list=PLbE_MYjGeeTAVEyK-p4fG9Gb1nK3sMoh9&index=5 ]

So, there is going to be a special focus upon the Jewish people during the Tribulation, but horrifically, half the people on the planet are going to die during that time (a number that does not just involve the Jewish people!)

God has set aside an extra seven years that are particularly meant for the Jewish people, but will become a blessing to the Gentiles as well, so that multitudes will come out of the Tribulation and into salvation. Daniel’s 70th Week prophecy is primarily prophesied for the Jewish people to bring a remnant to know Jesus as Messiah, but the whole world will witness the grace of God’s salvation as well, even if they have to endure the hardest of times in order to decide.

Now, I want to emphasize that even when God pours out His wrath, His fundamental purpose is to bring people to repentance so that they might be saved. What a God of grace He is!

However, in a sense, Armageddon is a ‘battle’ that a really never takes place. There’s a common misconception that the Battle of Armageddon is executed as one large battle between good and evil—it’s actually a ‘label’ for a sum total of SEVERAL BATTLES (eight “stages”) that take place when Jesus returns. That’s why scholars call it a “Campaign” consisting of: the assembling of the armies; the destruction of Babylon; the fall of Jerusalem; the armies at Bozrah; the national regeneration of Israel; the Second Coming of Jesus; the battle of the Valley of Jehoshaphat; and the victory ascent upon the Mount of Olives.

– Allies Assemble For War
When the Antichrist becomes absolutely insanely obsessed with destroying the Jews and the Saints, he will gather his armies too, once and for all, exterminate the Jews. Demonic spirits “go abroad to the kings of the whole world, to assemble them for battle on the great day of God the Almighty… And they assembled them at the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon” [ Revelation 16:14, 16 ].

Related to the sixth Bowl judgment, the Euphrates River will be dried up, making it easier for the armies “of the east” to assemble—who are, as most theologians think, from the Orient, primarily from China (but it could be any county east of the Euphrates River). It is interpreted that there will be over 200 million (yes, with an “m”) “soldiers” that will come! (It is estimated that there were 25-30 million soldiers involved with the ‘entire’ Second World War). [ Scholars say that this might be human soldiers (although that would be a logistical ‘nightmare’), or because of recent technology, it could be drones or even ‘Chimeras’ ].

[ Note: Some scholars put forth the idea that just as the Antichrist seems to be completely victorious, he hears “rumors from the East and from the North” that deeply disturb him (Daniel 11:44; Revelation 16:12). He retreats with his armies to the area “between the seas” (corresponds to the “Valley of Armageddon”). This might be because the Antichrist has restricted the oil supply to the world—because his needs are so great, or has used so much for his wars—and the nations of the world are ‘starving’ for oil, and see an opportunity to rebel against him. However, when they get all their armies to the Euphrates River, their ‘focus’ is changed—probably by Satan himself—and they decide to combine with the Antichrist’s armies to exterminate the Jews ].

– Commercial Babylon Is Destroyed
As was mentioned previously, the Antichrist will shift his headquarters from Jerusalem to Babylon, which will become the global commercial center—likely the control of all the oil fields in the Middle East (and all the money that they generate).

Ironically, as the Antichrist is assembling his armies to attack Jerusalem (in “stage one” of the Campaign), God will cause a military force to attack his headquarters in Babylon and utterly destroy it! (Jeremiah 50:13-14, 23-25, 40; Isaiah 13:19; Revelation 18:21). The invading army will be “from the north”—probably Syria with a reconstituted army from Russia. (Jeremiah 50:9, 41-42).

When this happens, the Antichrist will not be present in the city. He will be told of its destruction by messengers (Jeremiah 50:43; 51:31-32). He becomes all the more enraged.

– Jerusalem Is Ravaged
Even the destruction of the Antichrist’s headquarters will not dissuade him from his ‘goal’ of destroying the capital Jerusalem and its people. So, instead of launching a counterattack against the northern military coalition that wiped out Babylon, the Antichrist and his forces instead decimated Jerusalem ( Zachariah 12:1-3; Zachariah 14:2)

– Antichrist Moves Against The Remnant
If you recall, in the middle of the Tribulation, when the Antichrist ‘desolated’ the Temple, many Jews fled to the desert—perhaps in Bozrah/Petra—to escape the genocide (Matthew 24:15-31; Revelation 12:6, 14). Well, the Antichrist has not forgotten that, and now will go there to ‘finish the job’—to exterminate them. From an earthly perspective, even though is an easily defensible place, they are helpless and hopeless.

– Israel Is Regenerated
Israel’s leaders will have finally realized the reason why the Tribulation has fallen on them—perhaps because the Holy Spirit will enlighten their understanding of Scripture, or because of the testimony of the 140,000 Jewish evangelists or the memory of the two witnesses.

The remnant is acutely aware that their ‘days are numbered’ (Hosea 5:15). However, ‘miraculously’, the Jews’ spiritual blindness is now removed, and they ‘FINALLY’ call out to their Messiah, Jesus, “Baruch Haba B’Shem Adonai” (“Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord” – Psalm 118:26) and experience national regeneration! (Hosea 6:1-3; Joel 2:28-29; Leviticus 26:40-42; Jeremiah 3:11-18; Hosea 5:15). The Bible indicates that this collective repentance takes two days (Zechariah 12:2-13:1; Matthew 23:37-39; Isaiah 53:1-9), following which Israel will be saved, thereby for filling Paul’s prophecy in Romans 11:25-27.

– Jesus Returns (The “Second Coming”)
The prayers of the Jewish remnant are answered!!! Jesus returns bodily to save them, and EVERYONE WILL KNOW!—obvious to everyone near and far (Revelation 19:11-16). [ “Apokalupsis” is the Greek word used to describe the Second Coming of Jesus. It carries the basic meaning of “revelation,” “visible disclosure,” “unveiling,” and “removing the cover” from something that is hidden ].

This is the moment the world has been waiting for since the beginning of time!!!

[ A quick overview of the “Second Coming”:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obw5cTD-XUs&list=PLbE_MYjGeeTAVEyK-p4fG9Gb1nK3sMoh9&index=11 ].

– The Final Battle Erupts
While the battle between the Messiah and the Antichrist will begin at Bozrah, it will apparently continue all the way back to the eastern walls of Jerusalem which overlook a section of the Kidron Valley, which is also known as the Valley of Jehoshaphat (Joel 3:12-13).

Among the very first casualties will be the Antichrist himself. Having ruled the world with great power and having spoken against the true Son of God, the counterfeit ‘son’ will be powerless before the True Son. “You crushed the head of the house of the wicked, laying him bare from thigh to neck” [ Habakkuk 3:13 ].

The simplicity with which Jesus will slay the Antichrist’s armies is INCREDIBLE! No weapons, guns, tanks, or bombs. Jesus MERELY ‘SPEAKS’, “with the breath of His mouth,” and they are all instantly ‘destroyed’. All drop dead in their tracks. The Antichrist and the False Prophet, however, are “thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur” [ Revelation 19:20b ].

– The Faithful Remnant Returns To Israel
So, once the fighting is done and all the Armageddonites are dead and the Antichrist is kicked off the planet and cast into the Lake of Fire, it is safe for the faithful Jewish remnant to return home to Israel. Apparently, Jesus escorts them out of Petra and leads them through the former battle zone of Bozrah.

“Someday, O Israel, I will gather you; I will gather the remnant who are left. I will bring you together again like sheep in a pen, like a flock in its pasture. Yes, your land will again be filled with noisy crowds! Your leader will break out and lead you out of exile, out through the gates of the enemy cities, back to your own land. Your king will lead you; the LORD himself will guide you”
[ Micah 2:12-13 ].

– The Victory Ascent To The Mount Of Olives
After the actual fighting is completed, Jesus will lead the remnant to a victory ‘ascent’ up the Mount of Olives:

“Then the Lord will go out and fight against those nations as when he fights on a day of battle. On that day his feet shall stand on the Mount of Olives that lies before Jerusalem on the east, and the Mount of Olives shall be split in two from east to west by a very wide valley, so that one half of the Mount shall move northward, and the other half southward”
[ Zechariah 14:3-4 ].

– The Resurrection Of The Jewish Saints
For the returning Jews who might be mourning the loss of their loved ones who got killed by the Antichrist, they just may discover that, if they became believers in Jesus during the Tribulation, they will be ‘RESURRECTED’ to live in the Millennium period!

Now, possibly, these resurrected saints could be ‘matched up’ with their ancestral tribes and be ‘aligned’ by ancestry. What a FANTASTIC family reunion!

THE ‘MILLENNIUM’
The Jewish people will FINALLY GET what God had ‘PROMISED’ them way back when to their ‘father’ Abraham in the 1,000-year “Millennium” period:

“In that day the Lord will extend His hand yet a second time to recover the remnant that remains of His people”
[ Isaiah 11:11 ].

Having confined Satan, the Antichrist, and the False Prophet, and also destroyed all the bad Kings and their armies, Jesus then focuses on restoring and repopulating the planet.

[ MAP: Promised Size Of Promised Land (Genesis 15:18-19) ]

Now, since the Millennium is not characterized by wars, it presupposes that most of the additional Arab territories will be ‘acquired’ prior to the Millennium (Isaiah 2:4, 19:16-18; Jeremiah 49:2; Obadiah 1:19-20), some of which would be gained because of the possible Psalm 83 War.

In addition to this, in the Millennium there will be MUCH longer lifespans, so the number of Jews could, over time, easily reach and/or exceed the populations of China or India (Genesis 22:17).

So, if these population and territory estimates, hypothesized above, are anywhere near accurate, the nation of Israel could turn out to be the most ‘densely’ populated country on the earth during the Millennium. (So, probably, the balance of the territory God promised the Jews will then be given to the Jews during the Millennium—probably on an as-needed basis.)

Then, an impending ‘boom’ in the Jewish population will precipitate the need for more than just an enlarged territory, but will also necessitate increased housing accommodations and food supplies—since the ruined cities from the wars will need to be ‘refreshed’. Well, the prophet Ezekiel says that when God restores the remnant of Israel, He will beautify the desolated areas in Israel and rebuild its ruined cities (Ezekiel 36:33-38). So, probably, in anticipation of the coming population boom, the restoration of the cities will likely happen early on in the Millennium (Amos 9:13-15).

In addition to that, the prophet Isaiah says that Israel will experience a tremendous increase in daylight, which will extend the growing season for food, increase the pastures for flocks, and even the time for tourism.

These and other things will make Israel a highly esteemed nation by the international community (Isaiah 49:22-23; Zephaniah 3:20), be a place where international laws will be established and where world political leaders will convene (Isaiah 2:3, 60:11), become the most popular destination for tourism and holy pilgrimages (Isaiah 2:2-4, 60:3-4; Zechariah 14:16), and will become, probably, the wealthiest nation on the planet by capitalizing on its abundant natural resources (Isaiah 60:5-11). [ Note: Experts estimate that the Dead Sea, with all its minerals, is probably the most valuable natural resource on the planet—more than all the oil in the Middle East! ]

– Millennial Government
Biblical scholar Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum summed up well what the Millennial government will be like:

“The Messianic Kingdom will be administered through an absolute monarchy with a definite chain of command and lines of authority. The absolute monarch will be the person of Jesus the Messiah. The delegated authority will be split into two branches: a Jewish branch of government and a Gentile branch, each intern having a chain of command.”

The Jewish branch of government will consist of Jesus as the monarch, King David as the ‘Prime Minister’, the 12 Apostles, many of the Old Testament judges, and the Jewish people (Psalm 72:8; Revelation 19:16b).

The headquarters location will be set up in accordance with the Davidic Covenant—the ancient city of Jerusalem (2 Samuel 5:4-5, 7:12-13; Isaiah 9:7, 16:5).

Jesus will rule with a “rod of iron.” Even though Jesus is identified as the “Prince of Peace,” this kind of peace apparently requires the skillful use of ‘force’ to maintain this peace among still sometimes ‘rebellious’ humans (Proverbs 22:15, 23:13-14, 29:15). The disciplinary instructions in these Proverbs passages find application because the ‘mortals’ that enter into the Millennium will still have a sin ‘nature’ (though substantially less since Satan and his demons are no longer about). However, they will pass this nature on to their offspring.

This “iron fist” policy will be the ‘backbone’ of Jesus’ global government. All those placed into political positions will be required to execute their duties in strict compliance with His laws. Just like God the Father, Jesus will judge righteously, perfectly, and will rebuke and chasten those He loves.

This ‘section’ opened with a quote from the scholar Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum so, fittingly, I will close with more of his insight. It sums up what the Jewish branch of government will look like in the Millennium:

“The chain of command in the Jewish branch of the government is from the Messianic King to David, to the Twelve Apostles, to the princes, to the judges and counselors, over all Israel, which will be serving as the head of the Gentiles. The rod of iron that will characterize the role of the government in the kingdom will be implemented through various fears and positions of authority.”

– Restored Jerusalem
The prophet Ezekiel appears to give us a foretaste of the ‘framework’ of what Jerusalem will look like in the Millennium (Ezekiel 40:2). It will be “beautiful” and elevated on a “mountain” on its “sides of the north (Ezekiel 48:1-2). Jesus’ throne will be there (Jeremiah 3:17), and the glory of God will ‘reside’ inside the Temple (Ezekiel 44:4).

Because of these new ‘features’, the restored Jerusalem will be given a new name: “THE LORD IS THERE” (Ezekiel 48:35b).

It will have a new ‘district’ that will be “compact together” (“tightly joined”) which will reside the Fourth Temple (Ezekiel 45:3), housing for the Temple priest and Levite ministers (Ezekiel 45:5, 48:10), and designated “sections” for King David (Ezekiel 45:7).

Even though, according to the prophet Isaiah, the city “shall be open continually,” according to the prophet Ezekiel, there will be 12 ‘gates’ that will bear the names of the 12 tribes of Israel—with 3 gates on each of the north, south, east, and west sides (kind of like the 12 pearly gates that will be a part of the eternal city of Jerusalem).

So, if there are gates, then there are ‘walls’. Ezekiel tells us that each side of the city will be “4,500 cubits,” which is about 6.750 feet or 1.28 miles. Now, even though these will be physical walls, Jesus will act as a “wall of fire” personally safeguarding any unprotected areas from unwanted intruders (Zechariah 2:1-5).

Zechariah tells us that Jerusalem will be called the “City of Truth, The Mountain of the Lord of Hosts, and the Holy Mountain.” It will be a marvelous sight for all spectators to behold!

So, Jerusalem will be the “center of the world” again during Jesus’ Millennial reign:

“In the last days the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established as the highest of the mountains; it will be exalted above the hills, and peoples will stream to it. Many nations will come and say, ‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the temple of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.’ The law will go out from Zion, the word of the Lord from Jerusalem”
[ Micah 4:1-2 ].

– Fourth Temple
The prophet Ezekiel mentions that there will be a final Temple—the fourth one—that “the glory of the Lord filled the house of the Lord” [ Ezekiel 43:5-7 ]. He also details the specific dimension and functions of this new Temple (Ezekiel 40:5-43:37).

Now, the most important thing to note is that the Millennial sacrificial system WILL NOT be a reinstatement of the Mosaic system—since Jesus’ once-for-all sacrifice has taken away sin and has caused the Mosaic law of sacrifices to be abolished (Hebrews 7-10).

Some suggest that the Millennial sacrifices will be a kind of Jewish ‘memorial’ for the awful price that Jesus had to pay for their salvation. The Temple system will thus allegedly function much like the Lord’s Supper does today for the Christian (1 Corinthians 11:25-26).

The sacrifices will also emphasize ‘commemorative’ aspects: A means of restoring fellowship for the Millennial saints, and a ritual cleansing for ritual uncleanness (Ezekiel 44:9).

Another explanation for the reinstituted sacrifices is that they are intended to remove ceremonial uncleanness and prevent defilement from polluting the purity of the Temple environment. So, the sacrifices will relate only to the removal of ritual impurities in the Temple as fallen-though-redeemed human beings remain on Earth.

Then, one of the ‘functional’ purposes for the Millennial sacrifices is to remind people of their need to receive Jesus as their means of receiving a ‘circumcised’ heart, since there will be people born during the Millennial period who will need to make their own personal decision to make Jesus their Savior.

[ FYI: For more details about the final “eternal” Heaven, view this previous “Life’s Deep Thoughts” post:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/home-at-last-v290/ ].

Alliances between Russia and Iran, and between Russia and Turkey are also very meaningful, since the Bible says that they form a coalition to attack Israel.

A few other ‘signs’ that Jesus mentioned were the increase and intensity of wars, earthquakes, famines, pestilences, and persecution of Christians—all which have been happening.

[ For more details on the “signs” of the times, view this “Life’s Deep Thoughts” post:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/blessed-hope-v245/ ]

The prophet Daniel noted that in the last days there will be an “increase of knowledge” (Daniel 12:4). Well, back in the 1980’s, Buckminster Fuller created the “Knowledge Doubling Curve.” He noticed that until 1900, human knowledge doubled approximately every century, and by the end of World War II, knowledge was doubling every 25 years!

Today things are not as simple, as different types of knowledge have different rates of growth. For example, nanotechnology knowledge is doubling every two years and clinical knowledge every 18 months. But on average, human knowledge is doubling every 13 months, and according to IBM, the build-out of the “internet of things,” in the next decade, will lead to the doubling of knowledge every 12 hours! I’m thinking that ‘qualifies’ for “increased of knowledge”!

Long story short, we see a lot of prophecies coming to pass, ‘converging’ today.

From a strictly human perspective, Israel’s and Jerusalem’s problems seem insurmountable. It seems as though things are ‘spinning out of control’ and it’s just a matter of time before Israel ‘goes up in flames’. However, God has other plans.

As biblical prophecy expert, Thomas Ice has said:

“If one looks at the contemporary situation relating to Israel, without the aid of the Bible, it appears hopeless for God’s covenant Nation. However, true reality takes into account the will and plan of God, which means that Israel will not be destroyed as a nation no matter how desperate their situation becomes… No matter how dark it may look for Israel, God will keep his promises to the only nation on planet Earth that he has made an everlasting Covenant with. No matter what happens to the modern nation of Israel in our day, we know that she will not be destroyed or pushed into the sea. The Lord God of Israel is in charge of history and he will keep his promise of salvation to his elect nation as they come to realize during the tribulation that Jesus of Nazareth was indeed the stone which the builders rejected. The Jewish people will come to realize that it is only through their Messiah, Jesus, that their sins will be removed and they will be restored to a right relationship with God.”

The thing is, many more ‘signs’ that the Bible tells us to look for that will signal the Lord’s soon return—in addition to the ‘major’ ones I just mentioned—are ’converging’ today as never before. All of the different end times ‘signs’ are coming together for the first time ever—clearly indicating that we are living in the ‘season’ when Jesus will return to take all His believers, past and present, back with Him to the “place” He has prepared for them in His Father’s ‘house’ (John 14:2-3).

Jesus prophesied that the Jews would be dispersed from Jerusalem and be led captive among all the nations (Luke 21:24). But, then He added that one day they would return to re-occupy Jerusalem, and when that happens, the end-time events will occur that will lead to His return. The even more amazing thing about this is that the prophet Isaiah foretold of this 700+ years before Jesus lived: “In that day the Lord will extend his hand yet a second time to recover the remnant that remains of his people, from Assyria, from Egypt, from Pathros, from Cush, from Elam, from Shinar, from Hamath, and from the coastlands of the sea. He will raise a signal for the nations and will assemble the banished of Israel, and gather the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth” [ Isaiah 11:11-12 ].

The worldwide regathering of the Jews began in ‘earnest’ at the beginning of the 20th century. In 1900, there were only 40,000 Jews in Palestine, but by the end of World War II, their number had risen to over 600,000. Today, there are more than 9.3 million (June 2023) in the Land who have come from all over the world. This means that there are now more Jews in Israel than were killed in the Holocaust. The prophet Jeremiah said twice that when history is completed, the Jewish people will look back and conclude that their worldwide regathering was a greater miracle than their deliverance from Egyptian captivity!

Intricately linked to their regathering is what most experts say is the end times’ “cornerstone’ prophecy”—a “great phenomenon” that happened just 70 years ago—the re-establishment of the State of Israel, which occurred on May 14, 1948.

Again, the prophet Isaiah tells of this, too: “Who has heard such a thing? Who has seen such things? Shall a land be born in one day? Shall a nation be brought forth in one moment?” [ Isaiah 66:8 ]. Well, as we saw in 1948, yes it can!

Also, the fact that Israel has been ‘reborn’ in the EXACT SAME piece of real estate that it was scattered from 2,000+ years ago would be amazingly significant, but it’s even more so since the Bible says, “You know when this happens, this is going to begin the generation that’s going to see all these things come to pass” [ Matthew 24:34 ]. Even though there are a few interpretations of the word “generation” (“race,” the Jews or “sinful humanity”), most scholars think that it means that within the lifetimes of the actual people who are experiencing all of the end times ‘signs’ will experience His return.

In addition to returning to the Land, Ezekiel tells us that the physical land would go from desolation to bounty (“On the day that I cleanse you from all your iniquities, I will cause the cities to be inhabited, and the waste places shall be rebuilt. And the land that was desolate shall be tilled, instead of being the desolation that it was in the sight of all who passed by. And they will say, ‘This land that was desolate has become like the garden of Eden, and the waste and desolate and ruined cities are now fortified and inhabited” – Ezekiel 36:33-35). If you don’t know, Israel it is like a ‘garden’ over there today, with them being THE experts worldwide on soil reconditioning and water conservation.

Another amazing thing, that has never happened before is that the Hebrew language, which was ‘dead’ for over 1,800 years, has come back again (Zephaniah 3:9). The only known language to ever have been ‘resurrected’ and put into daily use!

This tiny nation (no bigger than New Jersey), so happens to be the ‘focus’ of world politics. All the nations of the world are coming against Israel over the issue of the control of the nation’s capital, the City of Jerusalem. Even though the United States has put its embassy there and is encouraging other nations to do the same, the Vatican wants the city to be put under its control, the United Nations wants it to be internationalized, the European Union is determined to divide it between the Arabs and the Jews, and the Arabs want all of it. Israel says it will never surrender any of it.

The thing is, this was also prophesied by Zechariah in 520 BC: “And it shall come about in that day that I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples; and all who lift it will be severely injured. And all the nations of the earth will be gathered against it” [ Zechariah 12:3 ].

These and many other signs that relate to Israel are really important, since the Jews are God’s prophetic ‘time clock’. What I mean by this is that the Bible often ties a prophesied future event with something that will happen to the Jews. The Bible instructs us to watch the Jews, and when a prophesied event concerning them occurs, then we can be sure that the next prophesied event will also occur.

Dr. David Reagan, of “Christ in Prophecy Ministries,” has come up with six categories that he says indicate that we are “living on borrowed time”:

– The Signs of Nature (Most intense earthquakes, storms, and famines in history)
– The Signs of Society (Increased humanism, materialism, hedonism, and sexual perversions)
– The Spiritual Signs (Increase in cults, false christs, heresies, skepticism, apostasy, and occultism)
– The Signs of World Politics (Increase in wars, and the desire for a global government)
– The Signs of Technology (Nuclear weapons, computers, and the Internet)
– The Signs of Israel (Returning to its land and becoming a State)

[ For all the details of Dr. Reagan’s thoughts on this, consider getting his book, “Living on Borrowed Time: The Imminent Return of Jesus,” or find “50 Reasons We Are in the End Times” in the “Resources” area of this previous post:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/blessed-hope-v245/ ]

Add to all this the tremendous increase in the global economy in the past 30-40 years (which global government and global religion can’t be far behind) and the meteoric increase in technology (which the Bible prophesies all will happen in the last days), it really looks like we are in that final ‘season’ of this earth the ‘way’ it is now.

To me, it seems that the EVIDENCE IS ‘OVERWHELMING’. We are living in the days when all of these things have even been possible in the past 2,000 years, let alone actually happening concurrently. It seems to me that God is ‘shouting’ from the heavens, “Jesus is coming soon!”

Many years ago, Christian evangelist Billy Graham wrote, “We see the storm clouds gathering and events taking place that herald the second coming of Jesus Christ.”

So, the following list is from the video below that does a great job in discussing the top 10 ‘signs’ to look out for to determine if we are in the “last days”:

[ VIDEO: “How Do We Know That Jesus Is Coming Back Soon?” – Lamb & Lion:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14S2X7FQ9h0 ]

Now, we cannot know the exact day and hour of Jesus’ return, and He stated this point-blank: “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of Heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only” [ Matthew 24:36 ]. However, since the previous 10 signs—and many others Jesus provided throughout the Gospels—are happening more frequently and with increasing intensity, the believer can know that they are now living in the ‘season’ of His return! “Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door” [ Matthew 24:33 ].

[ For more details on convergence, read this previous “Life’s Deep Thoughts” post:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/got-your-attention-yet-v255/ ].

Many generations of Christians lived and died without witnessing a single ‘sign’ of Jesus’ Second Coming. However, it looks like our ‘generation’ will witness ALL OF THEM!

The timing of Jesus’ return is not for anyone to know, and Scripture nowhere encourages the people of God to determine the date of when it will happen. Instead, Christians are to “…stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming” [ Matthew 24:42 ].

The Greek word “tachu” used in this passage is translated as “soon,” “quickly,” or “without unnecessary delay.” [ Throughout the New Testament, “tachu” is used, but most often in the Book of Revelation (Revelation 2:16; 3:11; 11:14; 22:7,12,20). ]

Now, it is not only that Jesus spoke of His “soon” return, the Apostle Peter also spoke about it, too: “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance” [ 2 Peter 3:9 ]. The thing is, to God, “a thousand years is like a day” (2 Peter 3:8). So, 2,000 years might be ‘slow’ to us, but it’s only been two ‘days’ in God’s ‘eyes’.

Again, in the conclusion of the Olivet Discourse, Jesus warns us:

“Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore, you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.

“Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. But if that wicked servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed,’ and begins to beat his fellow servants and eats and drinks with drunkards, the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know and will cut him in pieces and put him with the hypocrites. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth” [ Matthew 24:42-51 ].

[ For more details on being “watchful,” view this previous “Life’s Deep Thoughts” post:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/being-a-watchman-v250/ ]

Horrendous times are ‘bearing down’ on us. Nothing in the past can even remotely compare to what is being forecast. So, God is trying to GET OUR ‘ATTENTION’ with all of these ’signs’! These soon-coming events WILL be happening (since the Bible has NEVER been wrong about a prophecy). Do not just believe me. Believe what is written in your Bible. Check me out on all this!

Life in the future WILL NOT be “kinder and gentler.” This final world ‘system’ is just ahead of us, and will ‘literally’ fight Jesus at His Second Coming!

I am trying to communicate to you the ‘momentous’ times in which we live. Once-in-history changes are afoot in Europe and the Middle East. A “new world order” is in the process of emerging. Jesus IS coming back ‘SOON’!

[ FYI: The “2030 Agenda” is the United Nations’ plan for a “one-world government,” and was put into effect is 2015:
https://sdgs.un.org/2030agenda ]

Now, I’m not going to say that there isn’t any value to some of the personal ‘mind techniques’ to find peace, all the research about “peace psychology,” or arbitrators someone trying to achieve peace. However, I believe that these will NEVER ‘FIX’ our peace problem! The thing is, I posit that peace is not an emotional, circumstantial, or a psychological issue—I believe it is a THEOLOGICAL issue.

The Bible tells us that the whole human race is ‘alienated’ from God—since the rebellion of Adam and Eve—and we are all under divine ‘judgement’, headed for an eternity in hell. But, there’s GOOD NEWS! Since we all ‘appropriated’ Adam and Eve’s sin when we were born, God the Father made Jesus to be our “substitutionary atonement”—taking the punishment that we deserved so that it ‘frees’ Him to forgive us and ‘impute’ the righteousness of Jesus to us (“God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God” [ 2 Corinthians 5:21 ]).

So, to be ‘reconciled’ to God, we need only BELIEVE in Jesus as our Savior, and His atoning death on the cross. That’s it—a FREE ‘GIFT’ for any of us to accept! This is a ‘transaction’ that takes place ‘outside’ of us by a sovereign God. Put another way, this is peace WITH God—in Heaven forever!

But, THAT’S NOT ALL! Peace WITH God ‘paves’ the way for a believer to have an ‘internal’, experiential peace—a sense of goodness, contentment, tranquility, confidence, and well-being here on earth. The peace OF God.

Now, this is not just a ‘passive’ peace—one that gives you the ‘strength’ to endure. It’s not some kind of ‘benign’ reality—it’s much more than that. It’s a victorious, conquering peace! It’s a peace that not only ‘protects’ you from anxiety, fear, doubt, and despair, but is a peace that ‘triumphs’ over everything with courage, confidence, and contentment—which every ‘believer’ can experience!

The Apostle Paul underscores this by saying: “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope” [ Romans 15:13 ]. In the context I’m presenting here, Paul is saying that, “I want you to literally be filled with an ‘internal’ peace that ought to be the result of your ‘external’ reconciliation with God.”

Of all the promises in the Bible, I think this is one of the most ‘significant’: “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” [ John 14:27 ]. Wow… what an AMAZING PROMISE!

This is Jesus’ peace—Who is called the “Prince of Peace”—that provides the ‘spiritual harmony’ that brought about our reconciliation WITH God (“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand” [ John 10:27-28 ]).

But Jesus’ sacrifice provides more than just ‘eternal’ peace—it also allows for us to have peace in the ‘here and now’ by having a ‘relationship’ with the Holy Spirit—the “Advocate” Jesus said that God the Father would send to dwell in every believer (“Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you”/ “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you” [ John 16:7; 13-14 ]).

The Holy Spirit will take the peace of Jesus and will ‘disclose’ it to you. He will be giving to you ‘exactly’ what Jesus possesses. Furthermore, the Holy Spirit will ‘manifest’ Himself in every believer by helping us live in ways we couldn’t possibly live on our own—by ‘filling’ our lives with love, joy and peace (Galatians 5:22-23). This peace is not what the ‘world’ can provide—it’s divine; it’s supernatural; it’s from Heaven!

You’ve probably heard or have seen the bumper sticker that says: “No God, No Peace. Know God, Know Peace.” Well, though that ‘slogan’ inspired me to write this ‘post’, based on what I’ve learned and presented herein, here’s the bumper sticker I would like to see:

KNOW JESUS
to have
Peace WITH God
and the
Peace OF God

Peace for me is two things: That Jesus IS “PEACE” incarnate (the “Prince of Peace”), and that YOU CAN ‘KNOW’ His peace for yourself!

So, I pray for those who DO NOT YET ‘KNOW’ JESUS, that you may realize that you are living in the most severe ‘danger’ you have ever been in—teetering on the ‘edge’ of hell, and on the ‘brink’ of eternal danger. That might sound harsh and dire, but that’s how the Bible presents it. So I pray that you turn your ‘eyes’ toward Jesus, and ‘run’ to Him for your PEACE WITH GOD through justification, salvation, and reconciliation—and the ‘gift’ of eternal life!

[ FYI: For more details on how to attain this peace, view this previous “Life’s Deep Thoughts” post:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/know-peace-v201/ ].

PEACE ON EARTH
“Peace” appears 429 times in 400 verses in the Bible. Peace is sought after by most people in many different ways and under many different circumstances.

Usually the “peace” most people find is temporal. The Bible teaches that Jesus came to bring peace to the troubled heart. Jesus declares, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” [ John 16:33 ]. Jesus also said, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you” [ John 14:27 ].

This relationship comes as a result of God’s grace through the medium of faith (Ephesians 2:8). Other passages from the Bible put it this way, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved” [ Acts 16:31 ]. Another verse in the Bible says it this way: “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name” [ John 1:12 ].

To receive the peace of God is as simple as coming to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ God’s Son by repenting (turning from) of one’s sin (missing the mark of God’s perfections) and placing their faith, trust, reliance, and adherence in Jesus Christ as one’s personal Lord and Savior resulting in the peace of God filling one’s heart.

At the Rapture, those who are “in Christ,” (believers during the present age), will be resurrected from the dead, and will be ‘translated’ into Heaven.

In addition to this, the Second Coming will not happen until certain events have taken place: “He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God” [ 2 Thessalonians 2:4 ]. Immediately after the distress of those days, “The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken. Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in Heaven” [ Matthew 24:29-30a ]. Also, “Then the kings of the earth, the princes, the generals, the rich, the mighty, and everyone else, both slave and free, hid in caves and among the rocks of the mountains. They called to the mountains and the rocks, ‘Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can withstand it?’” [ Revelation 6:15-17 ].

When the Church is raptured, their ‘restraining’ of lawlessness (via the Holy Spirit) will be gone, and Satan will then have much more ability for ‘mayhem’. However, the Holy Spirit will not be totally gone—because there would be total anarchy—and will be primarily bringing the ‘elect’ to faith in Jesus during the Tribulation period. [ The Holy Spirit will aid the coming Tribulation believers as they endeavor to live holy lives, and protect the 144,000 Jewish ‘witnesses’ (evangelists) as well as the “two witnesses” (discussed later). ]

Israel—and the whole world—will be deceived by the extraordinary ‘power’ and gifts of the Antichrist. the thing is, once the ‘Restrainer’ (the Holy Spirit) is ‘removed’—via the indwelling in believers (the Church), there will no longer be a ‘restraint’ on evil, and ALL ‘HELL’ will break loose for 3-1/2 years!

[ FYI: For all the details about the “Rapture,” vie this previous “Life’s Deep Thoughts” post:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/final-tribulation-v246/ ].

After the rapture of the Church, the Holy Spirit will continue His work in bringing people to salvation, but He will no longer ‘baptize’ them into the mystical ‘body’ of Christ, the Church, nor will He entirely hinder Satan from bringing his ‘evil’ schemes to fruition. However, the Holy Spirit WILL ‘focus’ His efforts on saving as many Jews as He can (Romans 11:26).

Now, an important aspect of all this is that there is nothing that must be prophetically fulfilled before this happens. The Rapture is a ‘signless’ event, in contrast to the “Second Coming,” which has seven years worth of ‘signs’ beforehand. It’s no wonder that the Apostle Paul said, “The hour has come for you to wake from sleep for salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed” [ Romans 13:11-12 ]. James also said that, “The coming of the Lord is at hand” [ James 5:8 ]. The fact that the Rapture CAN ‘OCCUR’ AT ANY MOMENT should spur all believers on to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with as many as they can—especially Jewish people, since they will now be more ‘open’ to it since their “blindness” has just been removed (Romans 11:25) and telling them that there IS a ‘WAY’ to avoid God’s wrath in the coming “tribulation period”!

[ FYI: For more details about “spiritual blindness,” view this previous “Life’s Deep Thoughts” post:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/are-you-blind-v252/ ].

The rapture of millions of believers will change everything and affect everyone that remains on the planet. There will be drastic changes we can’t even imagine now, as the world tries to control the chaos. People will be trying to restore some semblance of order and normalcy in their lives. [ The Antichrist may be starting to be in the ‘limelight’ at this point and may attempt to explain away the vanishing millions, while attempting to lure those remaining into a false sense of safety and hope ].

This is the moment believers have been waiting for since the beginning of time!!!

– The ‘Final’ Battle Erupts
While the battle between the Messiah and the Antichrist will begin at Bozrah, it will apparently continue all the way back to the eastern walls of Jerusalem which overlook a section of the Kidron Valley, which is also known as the Valley of Jehoshaphat.

The simplicity with which Jesus will slay the Antichrist’s armies is INCREDIBLE! No weapons, guns, tanks, or bombs. Jesus MERELY ‘SPEAKS’ “with the breath of His mouth,” and they ALL ARE INSTANTLY ‘DESTROYED’!

– Victory ‘Ascent’ To The Mount Of Olives
After the actual fighting is completed, there will be a victory ‘ascent’ up the Mount of Olives by Jesus:

“Then the Lord will go out and fight against those nations as when He fights on a day of battle. On that day His feet shall stand on the Mount of Olives that lies before Jerusalem on the east, and the Mount of Olives shall be split in two from east to west by a very wide valley, so that one-half of the Mount shall move northward, and the other half southward”
[ Zechariah 14:3-4 ].

The Second Coming of Jesus is the “blessed hope” of the Church (Titus 2:13). So then, in view of this blessed hope, how does one ‘prepare’? Timothy tells us to keep this commandment without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ (1 Timothy 6:14). The believer must be ever-vigilant in this process called “sanctification,” becoming more holy and less sinful, preparing themselves to meet the Bridegroom (Revelation 19:8). “Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to those who love his appearing” [ 2 Timothy 4:8 ]. Do YOU ‘REALLY’ hope for Jesus’ appearing?

It is important to note that the purpose of Jesus’ teaching here was to ‘PREPARE’ believers and to ‘WARN’ UNBELIEVERS of the ‘end’.

However, for believers, Jesus wanted His followers to be watchful, living each day as though His return was imminent. The message was simply, “BE ‘READY’!”

Last year I wrote a post to delve into the ‘specifics’ of how one can ‘PREPARE’ for Jesus’s coming. The following are the major points discussed in the post:

Make Jesus Your ‘Master’
– Confess To God You Are A Sinner
– Repent Before Jesus’ Return
– Ask God To Cleanse And Forgive You
– Invite Jesus To Come Into Your Life
– Thank Him In Faith For Having Saved You

Become Jesus’ ‘Servant’
– Determine You Spiritual ‘Gifts’
– Seek Out An ‘Area’ Of Service
– Be Serving When Jesus Comes Back

Live In ‘Expectation’ Of Jesus’ Return
– Live in the Light Of His Coming
– Be Discerning
– Accept Uncertainties
– Don’t Lose Hope
– Keep An Eternal Perspective
– Get Your Priorities Straight For Jesus’ Return
– Live As If TODAY Was The Day!
– Keep Your ‘Lamp’ Lit

Do The ‘Work’ Jesus Has For You To Do
– Pray
– Read Your Bible
– Grow In Faith
– Pursue Christlikeness
– Make Christian Friends
– Share Your Faith
– Encourage One Another
– Ready Yourself For Suffering
– ‘Work’ Faithfully For Jesus

So, for more details about these topics, view the post by clicking on this link:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/how-to-prepare-to-meet-someone-important-v276/

Jesus IS coming back for His believers, and I believe it is going to be REAL SOON! HOWEVER, the ‘UNSAVED’ are NOT ‘READY’! In fact, that day of the Lord (which begins with the Rapture) will come upon the unsaved “like a thief in the night” (1 Thessalonians 5:2). Those who are left behind in the Rapture will be those who will go through the “Tribulation”!

[ FYI: For more details about the final “Tribulation,” view this previous “Life’s Deep Thoughts” post:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/final-tribulation-v246/ ].

The thing is, the only way you will be left behind in the Rapture is if you have not received Christ as your Savior. If you are not ‘saved’, then TODAY can be the day of salvation for you! (2 Corinthians 6:2) SO, DO NOT ‘DELAY’ another moment! Trust Jesus NOW!

[ FYI: To determine ‘how’ to become ‘saved’, view this previous “Life’s Deep Thoughts” post:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/developing-ones-character-v283/ ].

Jesus will come “like a thief in the night” and no one can predict the date (Matthew 24:36). Those who are ‘left behind’ in this world after the Rapture will, unfortunately, live at the mercy of Satan (‘through’ the “Antichrist”), who will rule the world at the time and will make it REALLY ‘BAD’ for ALL those on earth at the time of the “Tribulation.”

[ FYI: For more details about the Antichrist, view this previous “Life’s Deep Thoughts” post:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/heed-the-warning-v251/ ].

A “Coming Soon” announcement often precedes future events in entertainment and sports, or the launch of the latest technology. The goal is to create anticipation and excitement for what is going to happen, even though it may be months away. (Apple creates this kind of anticipation better than anyone else.)

While reading the book of Revelation, I was impressed with the ‘coming soon’ sense of immediacy that permeated the entire book. Rather than saying, “Someday, in the far distant future, Jesus is going to return to earth,” the text is filled with phrases like “what must soon take place” (Revelation 1:1) and “the time is near” (Revelation 1:3). Three times in the final chapter, Jesus says, “I am coming soon” (Revelation 22:7, 12, and 20). Other versions translate this phrase as “I am coming quickly.”

Again, as was mentioned, it’s been 2,000 years since these words were written. What seems like an eternity to us is just another ‘second’ to God. “With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day” [ 2 Peter 3:8 ]. The ‘delay’ in Jesus’ return is due to God’s nature. His mercy and patience, His unwillingness to see the wicked suffer, and His wish that all sinners repent, cause Him to postpone His coming until the last possible moment of His righteous judgment.

We are literally in a ‘GRACE PERIOD’. God’s wrath could have come long ago. HOWEVER, this ‘amnesty’ will NOT LAST FOREVER! Therefore, I encourage you to prepare to meet God. The day of reckoning will not wait forever. The time may be shorter than we think, so PREPARE TO ‘MEET’ GOD TODAY!

So, rather than focusing on a date for Jesus’ return, He urges us to set our hearts on His promise that it will be fulfilled. Believers are called to live for Him in this present age as we are “waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” [ Titus 2:13 ].

God is ‘calling’ EVERYONE to prepare for Jesus’ return, and He is being patient and merciful by giving everyone the time to repent. BUT, that will ‘END’ someday—either by the Rapture or when one dies. Procrastination is ‘DANGEROUS’! If you procrastinate, you may ‘MISS’ HEAVEN!

[ For more details about ‘procrastination’, view this previous “Life’s Deep Thoughts” post:

https://markbesh.wordpress.com/a-sense-of-urgency-v269/ ].

Now, be sure of this, that if the head of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have allowed his house to be broken into.

Thieves are dangerous because no one knows when they will attempt to break into a home and steal. In the Greek there are four classes of “if” statements. The first class “if” asks “if” something is true and then says that the answer is true. The second class “if” asks “if” something is true and then says that the answer is not true. In this parable Jesus uses a second class “if.” That is, Jesus said, “If the head of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming,” he would have stopped the thief had he known. If the owner had known, but he didn’t. (That is why people have guard dogs and others have security alarms for their homes and businesses.) So, if a homeowner knew when a thief was coming, the owner would have been home to stop them.

So then, what was Jesus’ point? Well, the homeowner needed to be CONSTANTLY watching and alert in order to prevent a thief from stealing also has a sense of eagerness so that nothing is lost.

Jesus concludes with the reason for the parable: “You too, be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour that you do not expect” [ Luke 12:40 ]. Again, the believer MUST BE ‘READY’ for Jesus’ ‘RETURN’ at ANY TIME!

Jesus used the Greek word “ginomai” in the thief parable, which means “to become.” So, Jesus was actually ‘commanding’ us to “become ready” (which is stronger and more obvious than just “be ready.”)

The word “ready” is also not a good translation of the Greek word that Jesus used either. The Greek word, “hetoimos,” is better translated as “prepared.” That is, every Christian is ‘COMMANDED’ TO BECOME PREPARED for His return.

The believer is to be like the men who waited for their master to return from a wedding, and to be like the homeowner who eagerly watched for the thief. Both parables have the sense of being CONSTANTLY ‘WATCHFUL’ until Jesus returns, however long that takes. Those who are faithful will receive a WELL DESERVED ‘REWARD’!

In the ‘faithful steward’ parable, Jesus said, “Who then is the faithful and sensible steward, whom his master will put in charge of his servants, to give them their rations at the proper time? Blessed is that slave whom his master finds so doing when he comes. Truly I say to you that he will put him in charge of all his possessions” [ Luke 12:42-44 ]. The faithful and sensible steward is the type of person whom the master ‘trusts’ to put in charge of his household. The Greek word that is translated as “steward” is “oikonomos” which refers to one who “manages” a household. This is a faithful, wise, and dependable steward that will receive a “blessing” from the master, being rewarded by being put in charge of all the master’s possessions (This slave symbolizes the believer—characterized by faithfulness.)

Those who are faithful are faithful because they ‘DESIRE’ to be faithful. This reveals that they are TRUE believers—and that is Jesus’ point. Jesus is the ‘Lord’ of their life. They do not love the world ‘system’ and the things that the world system has offer nothing to them (1 John 2:15-17).

Jesus said that the End Times will bring global fear and calamity. But as the world unravels, the believer can look up in hope, knowing that their redemption draws near.

THE “BLESSED HOPE”
In the midst of all of this difficulty we do have some good news. The Bible says:

Pastor Adrian Rogers used to say: “The world is growing gloriously dark.” This is definitely evident in the headlines today!

[ FYI: For more details about what the Bible says about the believer’s “blessed hope,” view this previous “Life’s Deep Thoughts” post:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/blessed-hope-v245/ ].

WRAP-UP

‘SPINNING’ OUT OF CONTROL?
Within the span of eight weeks after the invasion of Israel, there has been a spontaneous ‘combustion’ of global anti-Semitism ignited as if dry timbers in a forest had been set ablaze after being doused with buckets of gasoline.

The thing is, these events have catapulted humanity into a new reality of terror, violence, and hatred against the Jewish people and the Jewish nation in just two short months!

All this follows on the ‘heels’ of another very recent troubling story that showed a sign displayed over an Istanbul bookshop that read, “Jews not allowed.”

It is almost as if we have been ‘catapulted’ back to the late 1930s, in a pre-Holocaust moment where the handwriting of the fate of Jews was on the walls. No longer welcome in shops, cities, or airports, it has all come at the speed of lightning, making it nearly impossible to recognize the world that, even with all of its many problems, was up until a few weeks ago, still the place where a modicum of calm was present. Well, that all changed!

The most disturbing factor in all of this sudden anarchy and loss of sanity is that it is all directed at one nation and its people, and that rage against Israel and the Jews is spreading faster than anyone can keep track.

It was almost 50 years—just the day before—that was the last time Israel was officially at war. It is known as the “Yom Kippur War”—on the holiest day in the Jewish calendar—and remains a significant chapter in Israel’s history, deeply shaping its politics, military strategies, and relationships with neighboring countries.

HOWEVER, this is a different ‘kind’ of war. Rockets were fired at Israel from
many sides and invaders from Hamas attacked by land sea and air, all at the same time. Then, Hamas searched door to door looking especially for young people, little children, and the elderly. They then took civilian hostages targeting old women and little children. Horrendous!

Some historians are already calling Hamas’ invasion “a combination of 9/11 and Pearl Harbor.” [ Note: 2,996 died at 9/11 and 2,403 died at Pearl Harbor. ]

Comparatively, 1,400 being killed in Israel—with a population of 9.73M—would be the equivalent ratio of over 48,000 US citizens being killed in ONE DAY! This was 16X the number of people who were killed on 9/11!

The thing is, the situation could easily spiral out of control into a broader regional war. So, the United States has already positioned the USS Gerald R. Ford and the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Groups off Israel’s coast. Reports are coming in that the US Air Force is already in the area operating and offering intelligence gathering assistance.

Well, at least for me, it seems that most of the ‘world’ has TURNED ‘AGAINST’ Israel and the Jews, and wants them ‘punished’ for the “war crimes” they are committing. WHAT?! Are you kidding me!

What would you do if an invading army—who have said they wanted to eliminate your ‘race’, and proved it by constantly shooting missiles at you—brutally massacre your family and most of your surrounding neighbors, then take many of the elderly women, young children, and even infants as hostage? Well?

Well, for me and those who believe in an ongoing ‘battle’ of GOOD VS. EVIL, these rapidly-moving incidents are just further evidence that these ‘powers’ are CLASHING, and it seems that the ‘head’ of evil powers—Satan—is ‘upping his game’.

The choice of Isaac by both Abraham, in turn, birthed resentment and jealousy that has continued unabated from ancient times down through the ages until today—between the descendants of Isaac (the Jewish people) and the descendants of Ishmael (many Muslim Arab nations). Their descendants have battled over the land ever since.

This ancient bitterness originating with Abraham’s sons continues unabated today, constituting a perpetual root source feeding current hostilities along with Jerusalem representing ‘ground zero’ for End Times prophecy.

So, why does Satan want to still eliminate the Jews once Jesus had completed His earthly mission? Well, it is because the Bible declares that Jesus is coming back again to finish fulfilling His messianic mission as both King and Redeemer of Israel, ushering in His literal 1,000-year Millennial Reign from Jerusalem, and ‘throwing’ Satan into the “Lake of Fire” (Revelation 20:10).

Satan thinks that if he could succeed in destroying the Jews, once and for all then, first off, he could presumably prevent the return of Jesus Christ to establish His Kingdom on earth and rule the nations with a rod of iron from Zion (Revelation 19:15).

In addition to that, if Satan can eliminate the Jews from the earth, he can say at “God lied,” since God has said that His “chosen people,” Israel, will NEVER be eliminated from the earth (Zechariah 14:10c-11).

Finally, Satan thinks that if he can pull this off, he will not be ‘thrown’ into the Lake of Fire, forever!

Now, at least for me, Satan’s plan seems REALLY irrational, but he maintains his plan all the same. Thus, today, and throughout history, Satan has worked surreptitiously through earthly proxies, false religions, and political schemes in his maniacal obsession to annihilate God’s chosen nation Israel, thinking that genocide would void God’s irrevocable ancient land deed and prophecy. However, just as these satanic schemes have always failed before, they will epically fail again because nothing and no one can thwart the sovereign God’s purposes!

– There will be a mass return of Jews to the land of Israel (Deuteronomy 30:3; Isaiah 43:6; Ezekiel 34:11-13; 36:24; 37:1-14)

– Israel will be invaded by an overwhelmingly powerful coalition of nations (Ezekiel chapters 38-39)

– God will supernaturally defeat the coalition (Ezekiel 39:4-5)

– The Antichrist will make a 7-year covenant of “peace” with Israel (Isaiah 28:18; Daniel 9:27)

– The temple will be rebuilt in Jerusalem (Daniel 9:27; Matthew 24:15; 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4; Revelation 11:1)

– The Antichrist will break his covenant with Israel—at the halfway mark of the Tribulation—and worldwide persecution of Israel will result (Daniel 9:27; 12:1, 11; Zechariah 11:16; Matthew 24:15, 21; Revelation 12:13)

– Israel will finally recognize Jesus as their Messiah (Zechariah 12:10) and they will be regenerated, restored, and regathered (Jeremiah 33:8; Ezekiel 11:17; Romans 11:26)

So, yes, there is much turmoil in Israel today, being persecuted, and surrounded by its enemies—Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Iran, Hamas, Islamic Jihad, Hezbollah, etc. But this hatred and persecution of Israel is only a ‘hint’ of what will happen in the End Times (Matthew 24:15-21).

The latest round of persecution began when Israel was reconstituted as a nation in 1948. Many Bible prophecy scholars believed the six-day Arab-Israeli war in 1967 was the “beginning of the end.” So, could what is taking place in Israel today indicate that the ‘end’ is near? Well, yes, but it does not necessarily mean it will be in the next few months or even the next few years. Jesus Himself said it best, “Watch out that no one deceives you… You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come” (Matthew 24:4-6)

Is it not fascinating how Israel and the Jews always seem to be the center of attention when conflicts in the Middle East are discussed?

Well, it is no coincidence. The Bible, thousands of years ago, prophesied that Israel—and specifically Jerusalem—would be at the ‘heart’ of End Time events, not major world cities New York, London, Paris, Rome, Berlin, Brussels, Athens, Moscow, Beijing, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Cairo, Abu Dhabi, New Delhi, Riyadh, Tehran, Ankara, Damascus, Toronto, Madrid, Buenos Aires, or even Washington D.C.

[ FYI: For more details about why the tiny city of Jerusalem is so important, view this previous “Life’s Deep Thoughts” post:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/why-jerusalem-v291/ ]

Jerusalem, a ‘sliver’ of land, holds a MONUMENTAL ‘ROLE’ in what the Bible describes as the last days. The prophet Zechariah said:

“On that day I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples. All who lift it will surely hurt themselves. And all the nations of the earth will gather against it. On that day, declares the Lord, I will strike every horse with panic, and its rider with madness. But for the sake of the house of Judah I will keep my eyes open, when I strike every horse of the peoples with blindness”
[ Zechariah 12:3-4 ].

So, Jerusalem is described as an immovable ‘rock’ and the nations that try to move it will only injure themselves. This prophecy stands as a powerful testament to God’s protection and significant role that Jerusalem holds in the unfolding of End Times events. So, it beckons the believer to pay close attention to what happens there—not just for the sake of current geopolitics but to deepen one’s understanding of biblical prophecies that are yet to be fulfilled!

If one looks back in history, they will see a significant ‘event’ that set the prophetic ‘clock’ ticking:

“Surely, I will take the children of Israel from among the nations wherever they have gone and will gather them from every side and bring them into their own land”
[ Ezekiel 37:21 ].

This prophecy was fulfilled on May 14, 1948, when the State of Israel was ‘reborn’ as a nation!

Now, here is where it gets even more intriguing. God ‘’chose this particular people bring the Messiah into the world, BUT they did not ‘receive’ Him! So, God then ‘move’ Israel off to the ‘side’—hardening their ‘hearts’ (Romans 11:25d)—until the Gentiles were allowed to evangelize the world (a ‘purpose’ that God gave to the Jews).

BUT, this will not last forever. This ‘hardness’ of heart will be taken away and all Israel will be saved

“The Deliverer will come from Zion, he will banish ungodliness from Jacob”; “and this will be my covenant with them when I take away their sins”
[ Romans 11:27 ].

So, when God’s plan for the Gentiles—the Church Age—has been fulfilled, then God will turn His attention back to Israel. This is what the ‘TRIBULATION’—called “Jacob’s trouble (Jeremiah 30:7)—is all about!

This seven-year period of time (Daniel 9) will have two purposes for Israel: To purify them (Ezekiel 22:17-22) and to purge from them all those that are rebelling against God (Ezekiel 20:33-38).

The prophet Hosea said:

“Come, let us return to the LORD. For He has torn us, but He will heal us; He has wounded us, but He will bandage us. He will revive us after two days; He will raise us up on the third day that we may live before Him”
[ Hosea 6:1-2 ].

It looks like God is setting the ‘stage’ for these future events since He has brought His chosen people back to their land in anticipation of both the purging of the non-elect and the redemption of the elect.

The last ‘stage’ of God’s prophetic plan for the nation of Israel is called the Battle of Armageddon—at the end of the seven-year Tribulation—and God will supernaturally protect and preserve His people and win the war for them.

Jesus will then return to the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem, and the valley will split apart, ‘devouring’ all of the armies in one quick ‘gulp’.

Jesus then sets up His “Millennial” rule and reigns on earth in Jerusalem, during which the Jewish people are going to take up residency in the land of Israel once again and God is going to Lavish His blessings and his favor upon the nation of Israel.

Jerusalem will be known as the Throne of the Lord and all nations will come there to honor Jesus: “The Lord will be King over all the earth. On that day the Lord will be one and His name one” [ Zechariah 14:9 ].

Jerusalem will then be the central focus of all humanity!

Then, after the 1,000-year Millennium, God has in store for believers throughout all eternity a capital city of the new Heaven and the new Earth called the “New Jerusalem,” where all believers will rule and reign with Jesus for all eternity!

[ FYI: For more details about the “New Jerusalem,” view this previous “Life’s Deep Thoughts” post:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/home-at-last-v290/ ]

The current events are ‘matching up’ with what the Bible calls “birth pangs”. This does not seem to be an ‘average’ Middle East conflict. It looks like a profound ‘reordering’ of Middle East power is afoot. It is not merely a geopolitical and military shift, but a ‘shift’ in the prophetic ‘gears’ of history. The End Time ‘stage’ seems like it is being set right before our eyes.

Now, as I consider this event from a biblical perspective, prophecy expert Jan Markell well says that “Things are not falling apart, they are falling into place”—with Israel, a ‘sliver’ of land as big a New Jersey, being at the center of the world’s attention.

Many military analysts believe that this offensive is just a ‘test run’ for a potential massive attack from Hezbollah in Lebanon, which possesses even greater firepower—and Israel is preparing itself on the northern front as well. The thing is, this seems like an orchestrated provocation of Iran since they heavily fund Hamas (and Hezbollah).

By creating this unrest, Hamas also aims to ‘force’ concessions from Israel and progress toward their goal of an internationally recognized Palestinian state, which could serve as a platform for eventually taking over Israel and driving out or killing the Jewish people.

The proposal for a Palestinian state alongside Israel presents extremely dangerous implications. Hamas’ charter explicitly calls for the annihilation of Jews and the elimination of Israel.

[ Radical Arabs shout, “From the river to the sea.” This means they want the Israelis to be TOTALLY eliminated from the Land—and the earth! ]

Placating terrorists—who have stated that they WILL NOT be appeased—would almost certainly set up Israel’s total destruction.

However, the Bible issues dire warnings that God is furious with nations who act to divide up the land of Israel, which He sovereignly granted them by a Covenant. (Passages like Joel 3 and Zechariah 12 depict God judging the nations who gather against Israel and Jerusalem in the End Times.)

Again, rising anti-Semitism internationally is exceeding levels not seen since the Holocaust and the horrific death toll among Jews in the first week of this conflict alone also surpasses the number killed since the Holocaust! This staggering loss of life represents a ‘HISTORIC’ TRAGEDY for the Jewish people! (Now, though the hatred is deep, believers know the true battle is a ‘spiritual’ one!)

The ‘heart’ of the conflict is not so much about ‘land’ claims but ABOUT ISRAEL’S ‘EXISTENCE’ with radical Islamic groups wanting to deny Israel’s right to exist AT ALL!

Now, as I said, this is NOT Israel’s final conflict. More severe trials await during the coming seven-year Tribulation under the Antichrist with the current hostilities just a ‘foreshadowing’ of this future time foretold in the Scriptures.

God is setting the ‘chessboard’ exactly as the prophets foretold. Anti-Israel sentiments continue to erupt as hostile nations unwittingly position themselves for their role in the final End Time drama. (In fact, God will use the devil himself—through the Antichrist—to accomplish His purposes!)

Of course, the timing remains known only to God. But the apparent arranging of geopolitical ‘positionings’ indicates the dramatic final scenes may come sooner than expected.

So, believers should recognize this gathering ‘storm’ and spread the good news of the Gospel before the closing moments and the ‘curtain’ falls—shining as ‘lights’ in the deepening darkness.

HOWEVER, the UNBELIEVER has no ‘protection’ against this horrendous time coming—THOUGH THEY CAN!

[ FYI: For more details about what one needs to ‘do’ to become “born again,” view this previous “Life’s Deep Thoughts” post:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/developing-ones-character-v283/ ]

Unbeliever, I ‘BEG’ you to get ‘right’ with God RIGHT NOW! (Note: A prayer of repentance is just below to help you verbalize your ‘heart’ to God about this.) Again, just be like the tax collector in the Temple and cry out, “O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.”

UNBELIEVER, PLEASE, DO THIS RIGHT NOW! Procrastination will lead you nowhere and since YOU are wholly ‘RESPONSIBLE’ for your own FUTURE, procrastination is probably hindering you from acting on what is the MOST ‘IMPORTANT’ thing a person needs to do ‘BEFORE’ THEY DIE: REPENT of their sins and BECOME a ‘child’ of God—which ‘guarantees’ them a place in Heaven… FOREVER!

[ FYI: For more details about procrastination and some ‘tactics’ on how to stop it, view this previous “Life’s Deep Thoughts” post:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/a-sense-of-urgency-v269/ ]

The Apostle Paul said that, “For the Lord Himself will descend from Heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord” [ 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 ].

SO, when this trumpet ‘call’ to leave comes, will you be ready?

Everyone is ‘concerned’ about the FUTURE with everything happening these days. All of us just want to have health, peace, safety, happiness, purpose, and love. Then, after we pass, we want to be remembered—hopefully, for ‘living out’ those things. So then, at least for me, one should PLAN and ‘PREPARE’ for our death and our ‘legacy’—and START TODAY!

Now, of course, no one knows the day or the hour of this ‘leaving’ (Matthew 24:36), so there is still time to increase and excel in each item on your ‘checklist’. So, my strong suggestion is to ask God to HELP YOU ‘PREPARE’ so that you are ‘RAPTURE READY’!

[ NOTE: This is a very ‘reliable’ website for becoming ‘Rapture ready’:
https://www.raptureready.com/ ]

Now, violence does occur for a variety of reasons, but what one must recognize the difference between God’s judgment for sin and one’s own personal ‘vendettas’ against those they dislike or disagree with, which is most likely the outcome of one’s pride (Psalm 73:6). While men are more prone to accept violence as a solution to a ‘confrontation’, the wisest man of all time, Solomon, wrote: “Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways” [ Proverbs 3:31 ].

Well, without getting into a ‘discourse’ about what the Bible says about violence and how to counter it, Jesus did show us an example about one’s opinions and their ‘rights’:

“When they hurled their insults at Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; ‘by his wounds you have been healed.’ For ‘you were like sheep going astray,’ but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls”
[ 1 Peter 2:23-25 ].

The Apostle Paul also had something to say about this:

“Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’ To the contrary, ‘if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good”
[ Romans 12:19-21 ].

Well, what comes to mind for me is what Jesus said in His teaching, the “Sermon on the Mount”: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” [ Mathew 5:9 ]. Now, this challenge is daunting, but it is clear that Jesus wants His followers to do this at all times.

One of His ‘notable’ followers, Dietrich Bonhoeffer—the German Lutheran pastor that was murdered by the Nazis—in his book, “The Cost of Discipleship,” wrote: “The followers of Jesus have been called to peace. When he called them they found their peace, for he is their peace… they are told that they must not only have peace but make it. And to that end they renounce all violence and tumult.”

English theologian John Stott, in his commentary on the “Sermon on the Mount” wrote, “Now peacemaking is a divine work. For peace means reconciliation, and God is the author of peace and of reconciliation.”

We live in a sobering moment in history that ‘calls’ believers in Jesus to peacefully, courageously, and resolutely ‘STAND’ for those whom God has called His people—Israel (Joel 2:18, 3:2; Jeremiah 50:6-7). This is not about politics—however dramatic they may be—but about what God ‘says’ about Israel.

The Bible declares that there will come a time when all the nations of the world will turn against Israel—and it seems like that is starting to happen as I write this post. So, it is up to the Church to be Israel’s strongest ally amid the emergence of nations possessing a demonically-driven desire to see the Jewish people eradicated.

Israel is a land about which God says, “This is Mine” (Genesis 35:10-15; Joel 1:6; Zechariah 2:5-7). Also, God refers to Israel as He does to no other people on earth—He ‘chose’ Israel to be a ‘light’ to the Gentiles (Isaiah 49:6).

Perhaps the most pointed statement regarding the importance of the Jews is from the lips of Jesus Himself. In His conversation with the Samaritan woman, Jesus is very definitive saying: “Salvation is of the Jews” [ John 4:22c ]. With these words He categorically points to the ‘pathway’ which brings to humanity the entirety of God’s ‘program’ of redemption—Jesus is the only ‘way’ to the Father (John 14:6).

Further, the Church, at its inception, was virtually entirely Jewish, and remained so until the Gospel began to spread and take hold. Ultimately, the Gospel spread to Antioch, where the first Gentile congregation began. From there, the Gospel spread into all the world.

Finally, when “the fullness of the Gentiles is completed, all Israel will be saved” [ Romans 11:25d ]—that is, the present “Church Age,” which will end at the Rapture.

So, let’s look at what the Bible says about how believers should ‘stand’—support—Israel:

– God ‘Loves’ Israel
The prophet Jeremiah states very clearly: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore, I have continued my faithfulness to you” [ Jeremiah 31:3b-c ]. It was this love that ‘birthed’ God’s plan with Israel (Deuteronomy 7:7), and this love also will bring it to a glorious end (Romans 11:25-28).

“God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son” [ John 3:16a ]. He gave us Jesus through the Jews as a Jew.

So, the believer should love what God loves—Israel.

– God’s ‘Chosen’ People
“You are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be His people, His treasured possession” [ Deuteronomy 7:6 ].

Now, even though Israel has ‘disobeyed’ many times—and was punished for those times—God will never abandon them no matter what they do—but it’s going to be ‘costly’ for them. [ Again, that’s what the “Great Tribulation” is all about. ]

– God Will ‘Bless’ Those Who Bless Israel
“I will bless them that bless thee and curse them that curse thee, and in thee shall all the nations of the earth be blessed” [ Genesis 12:3 ].

King David said that, “They shall prosper that love you” [Israel] [ Psalm 122:6 ].

– Christians ‘Owe’ The Jews
Salvation came to the Gentile (Christians) world ‘through’ Israel, and the believer should be VERY thankful for that!

We also need to remember that Jesus was Jewish, the authors of the Bible were all Israelites, and everything that defines our faith today took place in Israel by Jews. Jesus himself declared: “Salvation is of the Jews!” [ John 4:22c ].

The Apostle Paul reminded the Gentile believers: “For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual blessings, they ought also to minister to them [Jews] in material blessings” [ Romans 15:27b-c ].

– Christian ‘Roots’ Are In Israel
The ‘wild’ Gentiles are grafted into the noble Jewish olive tree by faith in Jesus and are nourished by the rich ‘sap’ of Messianic hope rising from their prophets, patriarchs, and kings (Romans 11:24).

The Apostle Paul then reminded the Gentile Church in Rome to “Remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you” [ Romans 11:18 ]. The believer’s spiritual ‘roots’ lay in Jerusalem, with Hebrew Prophets, Jewish Apostles, a Jewish Savior, and a Bible written by Jews (Ephesians 2:11-13).

– The ‘Family’ Of Jesus
Believers need to ‘stand’ with the Jews because their Savior, Jesu, was a Jew, and still is! Some of the very last words of Jesus in the Bible are: “I, Jesus… am the root and the descendent of David, the bright and morning star” [ Revelation 22:16 ].

– The Times Of The Gentiles Are Almost ‘Fulfilled’
In the course of defending themselves against an attack from their Arab neighbors’ in 1967, the Israelis regained control of the entire City of Jerusalem for the first time since 70 AD—thus fulfilling a prophecy of Jesus: “Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled” [ Luke 21:24b ].

All believers should know that the ending of Gentile control of the city is the beginning of the end of God’s plan for humanity: “When you see these things happen look up your redemption draws nigh” [ Luke 21:28 ].

The prophet Isaiah also foresaw the beautiful scenario when the Messiah will lead the remnant of Israel into the city when He establishes His Kingdom in Jerusalem:

“But Israel will be saved by the Lord with an everlasting salvation; you will never be put to shame or disgraced, to ages everlasting”
[ Isaiah 45:17 ].

With prophecy placing Israel’s greatest days ahead, God has no intention of EVER ‘REJECTING’ Israel!

God’s covenants with Israel, Israel’s faithful remnant, and Israel’s glorious future all declare one inescapable truth: God has not rejected Israel, and He never will!

[ FYI: For more details about the “New Heavens, the New Earth, and the New Jerusalem, view this previous “Life’s Deep Thoughts” post:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/home-at-last-v290/ ].

[ Excerpts by: Elwood McQuaid; Embassy Of Israel; Calev Myers; Arlene Bridges Samuels; Peter Colon; International Christian Embassy Jerusalem; Seth Mendel; Lori Lowenthal Marcus; Benjamin Pogrund; Sheryl Silver; Melanie Phillips; Andy Woods; Jimmy Evans; Mark Hitchcock; Greg Laurie; Dr. David Reagan; Alex Safian; Avigayil Rivkah; Gil Troy; Dr. Max C. Bungard; All Israel News Staff; Daily Jesus Devotional; Got Questions; Bill Salus; Allen Parr; Trace Gallagher; Cookie Schwaeber-Issan; Jack Hayford; Mel Lawrenz; Dr. Jürgen Bühler; Charles E. McCracken ]

RELATED POSTS:

“Are YOU ‘Adopted’?”:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/are-you-adopted-v293/

“Jerusalem’s ‘Near’ Future”:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/jerusalems-near-future-v292/

“Why ‘Jerusalem’?”:
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“‘Home’ At Last!!!”:
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“‘Heaven’ On Earth?”:
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“There’s No Place Like ‘Home’”:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/theres-no-place-like-home-v288/

“Preparing For The ‘Future’”:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/preparing-for-the-future-v286/

“Developing One’s ‘Character’”:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/developing-ones-character-v283/

“Why Bother With ‘Predictions’?”:
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“‘Fearful’ Of World War III”:
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“‘HOW’ To Prepare To Meet Someone Important”:
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“‘WHEN’ Will Something Important Happen?”:
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“A Sense Of ‘Urgency’”:
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“The ‘Final’ Deception”:
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“Being ‘Discerning’”:
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“Got Your ‘Attention’ Yet?”:
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“Two ‘Choices’, One Way”:
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“The Only ‘Way’”:
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“‘Heed’ The Warning”:
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“‘Final’ Tribulation”:
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“‘Blessed’ Hope”:
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“‘Benefits’ Of Assurance”:
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‘PRAYER’ OF REPENTANCE
In the Bible, there is a parable that Jesus told about a Pharisee and a tax collector praying in the Temple.

In the parable, we read of a Pharisee and tax collector who pray in the Jerusalem Temple. The Pharisee thanks God that he is more righteous than others, giving evidence to prove it such as that he fasted twice a week (Luke 18:10-12). He far exceeded the demands of the law, which requires fasting only on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16).

Reformed theologian John Calvin states in his commentary that the Pharisee’s problem does not lie in a rejection of the necessity of grace for salvation. His thanksgiving to God implicitly recognizes that his good works come from grace and are given to him by God—otherwise, there would be no need to thank God for his righteousness. The issue, Calvin argues, is that the Pharisee trusts in the merit of his works for salvation. It is not enough to confess that our good works come from God Himself, but we must also recognize that as good as these works may be, they are never perfect on this side of glory and cannot merit heaven. “All our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment” [ Isaiah 64:6 ].

Now, many first-century Jews regarded the Pharisees as paragons of true righteousness and tax collectors as terrible sinners. Thus, they were no doubt shocked when Jesus said that the tax collector, not the Pharisee, went away from the temple justified—that is, declared righteous. He was justified because he did not trust in his own works, even works given to him by God. The tax collector forsook his own righteousness, admitting his sin and humbly asking for mercy. Instead, he “beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner’”—and Jesus said that the tax collector “went home justified,” he had been “born again” and ‘reconciled’ to God (Luke 18:13-14).

John Calvin writes, “Though a man may ascribe to God the praise of works, yet if he imagines the righteousness of those works to be the cause of his salvation, or rests upon it, he is condemned for wicked arrogance.” God gives His people good works to do, but our salvation is not based on those works. It is based only on Christ and His righteousness, which we receive by grace alone through faith in Jesus alone. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” [ Ephesians 2:8-10 ].

So, if you are ‘sensing’ something like that right now, let me strongly encourage you to HUMBLE YOURSELF, CRY OUT to God, and PLEAD for Him to mercifully ‘SAVE’ YOU! None of us have a ‘claim’ on our salvation, nor do we have any ‘works’ that would cause us to deserve it or earn it—it is purely a gift of Divine grace—and all any of us can do is ask. So, CONFESS YOUR SINS and acknowledge to God that you have no hope for Heaven apart from what He provides through Jesus. [ See Psalm 51 ].

There is no ‘formula’ or certain words for this. So just talk to God, in your own words—He knows your ‘heart’. If you are genuinely sincere, and God does respond to your plea, you will usually have a sense of joy and peace.

Jesus said, “He that comes to Me, I will not cast out” [ John 6:37 ].

[ FYI: This is a great sermon on the “Call to Repentance” by John MacArthur from his book “The Gospel According to Jesus”: https://www.gty.org/library/sermons-library/90-22/the-call-to-repentance (Transcript: http://www.spiritedesign.com/TheCallToRepentance-JohnMacArthur(Jul-27-2019).pdf) ].

[ NOTE: If you have ‘tasted the kindness of the Lord’, please e-mail me—I would love to CELEBRATE with you, and help you get started on your ‘journey’ with Jesus! ].

<<< RESOURCES >>>

“A History of Israel and the Holy Land”
By: Michael Avi-Yohah

In its entirety the story told here spans all of recorded history. It is a story of momentous events and mighty nations, of the birth of great religions and of foreign conquests, of longing and renewal. The scholars who have produced this work have woven an engrossing, continuous narrative out of the historical materials, presenting a rich array of peoples and cultures, from the ancient Hebrews and their neighbors down to the time of Jesus and the Roman wars and then on through the Arab and Crusader conquests, the Mameluk domination, the long period of Turkish rule, British Mandate, and the rebirth of Israel. An integral part of the story is the magnificent selection of photographs illustrating the land, its sites, its ruins, and its treasures. This expanded millennium edition of A History of Israel and the Holy Land takes the story into the twenty-first century with a new and comprehensive survey of the State of Israel from its establishment to the present day. The new material includes a review of political, economic, and social developments in Israel and summaries of the country’s wars and the peace process.

https://www.amazon.com/History-Israel-Holy-Land/dp/0826413226/

“From Time Immemorial: The Origins of the Arab-Jewish Conflict over Palestine”
By: Joan Peters

This monumental and fascinating book, the product of seven years of original research, will forever change the terms of the debate about the conflicting claims of the Arabs and the Jews in the Middle East.
The weight of the comprehensive evidence found and brilliantly analyzed by historian and journalist Joan Peters answers many crucial questions, among them: Why are the Arab refugees from Israel seen in a different light from all the other, far more numerous peoples who were displaced after World War II? Why, indeed, are they seen differently from the Jewish refugees who were forced, in 1948 and after, to leave the Arab countries to find a haven in Israel? Who, in fact, are the Arabs who were living within the borders of present-day Israel, and where did they come from?

Joan Peters’ highly readable and moving development of the answers to these and related questions will appear startling, even to those on both sides of the argument who have considered themselves to be in command of the facts. On the basis of a definitive weight of hitherto unexamined population and other historical data, much of it buried in untouched archives, Peters demonstrates that Jews did not displace Arabs in Palestine-just the reverse: Arabs displaced Jews; that a hidden but major Arab migration and immigration took place into areas settled by Jews in pre-Israel Palestine; that a substantial number of the Arab refugees called Palestinians in reality had foreign roots; that for every Arab refugee who left Israel in 1948, there was a Jewish refugee who fled or was expelled from his Arab birthplace at the same time-today’s much discussed Sephardic majority in Israel is in fact composed mainly of these Arab-born Jewish refugees or their offspring; that Britain, the Mandatory power, winked at and even encouraged Arab immigration into Palestine between the two World Wars; that by disguising the Arab immigrants as “indigenous native Palestinian Arabs,” the British justified their restrictions on Jewish immigration and settlement, dooming masses of European Jews to destruction in the Nazi camps.

Joan Peters also unfolds a historical record to shatter the widely held belief that Arabs and Jews harmoniously coexisted for centuries in the Arab world-the fact is that the Jews, along with other non-Muslims, were second-class citizens, oppressed in the Muslim world for more than a millennium. And this continuing prejudicial tradition of hostility underlies, as well, every Arab action toward the state of Israel.

In addition to her pioneering archival researches, Joan Peters has frequently traveled in the Middle East, conducting numerous interviews and gathering the personal observations of the first-rate reporter she is. The result is a book that has already had a major impact on policy discussions of one of the most vital and intractable of the world’s problems, shrouded until now in a fog of misinformation and ignorance.

https://www.amazon.com/Time-Immemorial-Arab-Jewish-Conflict-Palestine/dp/0963624202

“The Wars of the Jews”
By: Flavius Josephus

In 66 CE, unrest and disquiet among Jewish peoples in Roman-occupied Jerusalem boiled over, first into open rebellion and then into all-out war. The following seven years would see bloodshed on a massive scale, as the Roman Empire sought to re-establish control over Judea. This would culminate in the Siege of Masada, in which a corps of several hundred defenders, alongside non-combatants, held out against the might of a Roman legion — to this day, a symbol of heroism, resilience, and resistance among the Jewish people.

Flavius Josephus was present in Judea at the time of the conflict, and he documented the unfolding carnage. Himself an adherent of the Jewish faith, Josephus examines the tumultuous period across seven books, analyzing first the history of the Jews in the region before chronicling the enormity of the conflict. His work remains a vital component of contemporary understanding of the First Jewish-Roman War even though the original version — written in Aramaic or Hebrew, most probably – did not survive. This version of the book was translated from Greek to English by William Whiston.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1774266903/

“The Myth of Occupation”

[ ZOA ]

PDF: https://zoa.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/The-Myth-of-Occupation_ZOA_Published-2017.pdf

“Industry of Lies: Media, Academia, and the Israeli-Arab Conflict”
By: Ben-Dror Yemini

The Industry of Lies is one of the greatest frauds of recent decades – a fraud of historic, even epic, proportions. When almost half of all Europeans believe that Israel treats the Palestinians just like the Nazis treated the Jews, when leading politicians assert that the Arab-Israeli conflict is the central cause of violence in the world, and when prominent intellectuals argue that Israel is an apartheid state, the unfortunate reality is that the lies are winning.

As a result, Israel has become the devil incarnate in the eyes of many otherwise good and reasonable people – people who genuinely want to see peace but inadvertently contribute to the continuation of the Israeli-Arab conflict. The tragedy is that they are neither helping the Palestinians nor promoting agreement or reconciliation. Instead, they lend legitimacy to the most fallacious claims of the most extreme activists, empowering not moderates but the worst of the radicals who have no interest in attaining peace.

Israel is not free from flaws. However, this book draws a clear distinction between legitimate criticism and the industry of lies that has emerged from two unlikely sources – the media and academia – undermining their reputation as bastions of truth and knowledge. Ben-Dror Yemini presents an in-depth analysis of the many inaccurate and malicious accusations leveled against Israel and refutes them one by one in this thought-provoking and well-researched volume that invites us to rethink the causes and consequences of the Israeli-Arab conflict.

https://www.amazon.com/Industry-Lies-Academia-Israeli-Arab-Conflict/dp/1979061432/

“The Palestinian Delusion: The Catastrophic History of the Middle East Peace Process”
By: Robert Spencer

Enjoy a great reading experience when you buy the Kindle edition of this book. Learn more about Great on Kindle, available in select categories.
View Kindle Edition
Every negotiated settlement between the State of Israel and its Palestinian adversaries has failed to establish a stable and lasting peace. This is the history of what was attempted, why those failures were inevitable, and what must be done instead.

Every new American President has a plan to bring about peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians, and every one fails.

Every “peace process” has failed in its primary objective: to establish a stable and lasting accord between the two parties, such that they can live together side-by-side in friendship rather than enmity.

But why? And what can be done instead?

While this failure is a consistent pattern stretching back decades, there is virtually no public discussion or even basic understanding of the primary reason for this failure.

The Palestinian Delusion is unique in situating the Israeli/Palestinian conflict within the context of the global jihad that has found renewed impetus in the latter portion of the twentieth century and the beginning of the twenty-first. Briskly recounting the tumultuous history of the “peace process,” Robert Spencer demonstrates that the determination of diplomats, policymakers, and negotiators to ignore this aspect of the conflict has led the Israelis, the Palestinians, and the world down numerous blind alleys. This has often only exacerbated, rather than healed, this conflict.

The Palestinian Delusion offers a general overview of the Zionist settlement of Palestine, the establishment of the State of Israel, and the Arab Muslim reaction to these events. It explores the dramatic and little-known history of the various peace efforts—showing how and why they invariably broke down or failed to be implemented fully. The Palestinian Delusion also provides shocking evidence from the Palestinian media, as well as statements from the Palestinian leadership, showing that negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians will never work.

But there is still cause for hope. Spencer delineates a realistic, viable alternative to the endless and futile “peace process,” that shows how the Jewish State and the Palestinian Arabs can truly coexist in peace—without illusions or unrealistic expectations.

https://www.amazon.com/Palestinian-Delusion-Catastrophic-History-Process/dp/1642936235/

“What Should We Think About Israel?: Separating Fact from Fiction in the Middle East Conflict”
By: Randall Price

You hear about Israel in the news regularly, but beyond the many opinions and preconceptions, do you really know what to make of the conflicts and controversies in the Middle East?

What Should We Think About Israel? exposes the main current issues and provides well-researched objective facts to help you learn the truth about Israel’s past, present, and future. This compilation from experts including Walter Kaiser, Jr., David Brickner, Mitch Glaser, Michael Brown, Arnold Fructenbaum, and Steven Ger, will help you answer the tough questions:

– What is the history of the strife and suffering that continues in Israeli and Palestinian territories—and what are the potential solutions?
– What are the significant and long-term implications of locating the US Embassy in Jerusalem?
– Why is the Holocaust still such a big deal nearly 75 years after it happened?
– What is the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions movement all about?
– What is being done to restore relations between Jews and Arabs?

Learn from respected scholars how to look past the heated debates and discern for yourself what is important to know about Israel, and how that affects you today.

https://www.amazon.com/What-Should-Think-About-Israel/dp/0736977791/

“Israel in Crisis: What Lies Ahead?”
By: David Dolan

“The smell of the sultry Middle East air is of major battle ahead, centered on the holy city of Jerusalem,” writes author David Dolan. Most newspapers most days contain a story on the bloodshed or futile peace attempts in the Middle East. Israel in Crisis takes a probing look into what exactly is going on, what different events may lead to, and how they’re linked to biblical prophecy. A professional journalist and CBS Radio correspondent who has lived in Israel since 1980, Dolan gives an eyewitness account of current events. He weaves them with Scripture to answer frequently asked questions, such as: Ž Is the Middle East heading for war? Ž If so, who will be involved and how will it end? Ž Will a new Jewish Temple rise in Jerusalem? Ž Is the dispute over the holy city solvable? Ž What about the missing Ark of the Covenant? This timely, informative, and inspirational book is for anyone concerned about events in the Middle East and their relevance to the Bible. Though Israel in Crisis is non-fiction, Dolan’s fast-pasted journalistic style will appeal to readers of the Left Behind series.

https://www.amazon.com/Israel-Crisis-What-Lies-Ahead/dp/0800758048/

“Israel in Bible Prophecy: The New Testament Fulfillment of the Promise to Abraham”
By: Brian Godawa

What Role does Israel Play in Bible Prophecy?
Israel: The Chosen People, a holy nation of priests, the children of Abraham.
They were God’s own elect in the Old Testament. But why were they so special to God?

God made a five-fold promise to Abraham that he would 1) be the father of many nations, that 2) God’s covenant was everlasting, as well as 3) the promise of the Land, 4) to his children 5) under the condition of obedience marked by circumcision.

But with the advent of the New Covenant, what role does Israel now play in God’s plan?

If any?

Get this booklet and you’ll see how the promise of God to Abraham was fulfilled in the New Testament through Jesus the Messiah and how that changes everything: covenant, land, seed, sign and seal.

https://www.amazon.com/Israel-Bible-Prophecy-Testament-Fulfillment/dp/194285837X/

“Israel on High Alert: What Can We Expect Next in the Middle East?”
By: Ron Rhodes

The Middle East has long been spiraling out of control, causing global uncertainty and fear. What does this turmoil mean for Israel, and why has peace been so elusive?

In Israel on High Alert, author and Bible teacher Ron Rhodes offers a clear view of the situation—and future—faced by Israel. You will explore

– the history of the current Middle East conflict
– what Scripture says about the ongoing battle and God’s plans for Israel
– how the events in the Middle East affect us today

Touching on everything from mainstream and radical Islam to the current efforts to rebuild the Jewish temple, this book will guide you through the past, present, and God-ordained future for the nation of Israel. Find assurance in knowing that even amid chaos and uncertainty, God’s plan is already in action—and it will never fail.

https://www.amazon.com/Israel-High-Alert-Expect-Middle/dp/073697122X/

“Isralestine: The Ancient Blueprints of the Future Middle East”
By: Bill Salus

ISRALESTINE; The Ancient Blueprints of the Future Middle East Set to explode in the not so distant future, is a devastating war in the Middle East. The Jews will fight off Arab aggression and end terrorism once and for all! ISRALESTINE; The Ancient Blueprints of the Future Middle East, boldly unveils significant Bible prophecy that has eluded the discernment of today’s great scholars. Once upon a foretold time the Jewish people were to meet with a holocaust type condition, out from which they would return back to their ancient homeland of Israel. They would begin as refugees, but promptly emerge into an exceedingly great army. As per Psalm 83, destiny’s design for this great army is a head to head confrontation with a formidable Arab confederacy consisting of Palestinians, Lebanese, Syrians, Jordanians, Saudi Arabians and Egyptians. This Arab coalition has been developing in its fledgling stages since 1948 and will climax and officially confederate in the very near future. The Israeli Defense Force will decisively defeat this offensive and prove to be the “exceedingly great army” of Ezekiel 37:10. They will expand their territory, become regionally superior, take prisoners of war and exploit the resources of these conquered Arab nations. In that condition they will become one of, if not the wealthiest nations on earth. It is from that position of empowerment that the Jews will dwell securely in the Middle East. Subsequently the world stage is set for the Russian – Iranian led coalition of nations, which will form against Israel as prophesied in the book of Ezekiel, chapters 38 and 39. This non-fiction thriller is carefully desi

https://www.amazon.com/Isralestine-Ancient-Blueprints-Future-Middle/dp/0988726017/

“Why I Stand With Israel: Seven Reasons to Support the Jewish State”
By: McKade Marshall

Why I Stand With Israel is a Biblical, thought-provoking view on why McKade supports the modern state of Israel and the Jewish people. When McKade toured the extermination camps of Auschwitz and Kraków with Holocaust survivor Irving Roth and a busload full of college student leaders from across the United States, it was then that he decided to dedicate his life to serving, defending, and advocating for Israel and the Jewish people. Why I Stand With Israel is filled with McKade’s personal stories, testimonies, historical references, and Biblical teachings that will enlighten the heart of every reader searching for God’s purpose and place for the modern state of Israel and His chosen people.

https://www.amazon.com/Why-Stand-Israel-Reasons-Support/dp/057899027X/

“Stand with Israel”
By: Mike Evans

This new book from New York Times best-selling author Dr. Mike Evans addresses head-on the most important political and prophetic issue of our day-what we should do in regards to the nation of Israel. Governments around the world are turning against the Jewish state and putting themselves and their people on a pathway to judgment and destruction. Drawn from Dr. Evans’ many years of Bible study and first-hand knowledge of the situation in Israel and the Middle East, this powerful book opens the pages of Scripture to reveal the truth behind the news that makes the headlines. Every friend of Israel needs to read this book to be encouraged to pray more and share these vital truths with others. Topics include: Israel Is God’s Dream Jerusalem’s Spiritual Significance God Abhors Anti-Semitism Comfort Israel God’s Gifts and Call to Israel Have Not Been Revoked The Value of Intercessors and many more.

https://www.amazon.com/Stand-Israel-Mike-Evans/dp/1629610194/

“Standing With Israel: Why Christians Support the Jewish State”
By: David Brog

Focusing on a subject that has been covered by various national media, including the Wall Street Journal, 60 Minutes, and Nightline, Standing With Israel goes beyond politics to:

– Profile leading Christian Zionists and detail the views and motives that drive their politics.
– Spotlight Jews who have been at the forefront of forming a budding alliance with Israel’s Christian allies.
– Explain why so many American Jews are deeply uncomfortable with this outpouring of Christian support.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1591859069/

“Target Israel: Caught in the Crosshairs of the End Times”
By: Tim LaHaye and Ed Hindson

As the conflicts in the Middle East grow in intensity, we cannot help but wonder what lies ahead for the nation of Israel and whether any of it means we are drawing closer to the last days.

In their exciting new book Target Israel, prophecy experts Tim LaHaye and Ed Hindson explain why Israel is at the center of God’s prophetic plan for the future. As you carefully review the Scriptures with them, you’ll learn about…

– the miracle of Israel’s modern-day existence
– Israel’s unique purpose in the world
– the ways in which Israel serves as a super sign of the end times
– the coming alliance of nations that will attempt to annihilate Israel
– Christ’s return to Jerusalem to rule the world

You’ll be inspired as you see how God will bring all His prophetic promises to pass, and be encouraged to share your faith with greater urgency in light of Christ’s second coming.

https://www.amazon.com/Target-Israel-Caught-Crosshairs-Times/dp/0736964495/

“Has God Finished with Israel?”
By: Rob Richards

In this book the author seeks to discover the answers to probing questions, such as: Are Jewish people still the ‘chosen people’? Why are some Christians so excited about Israel? What does the Bible have to say about the covenants and the promised Messiah? What does it mean to be ‘joint heirs’ with Israel? How do events in Israel today fit in with biblical prophecy? ‘The role of the Land and People of Israel has continuously been neglected by most of Christendom. It has also been said that Israel is the missing link in systematic theology. The result is that the Church has often not only perpetrated an anti-Judaic polemic but has also failed to understand the significance of “covenant”. This book contains the key to understanding God’s continued purposes for both the Jewish people and the Church. Rob Richards’ book is one of the most significant works written on the subject.’ – The Rev. Canon Andrew White

https://www.amazon.com/Has-God-Finished-Israel-Richards/dp/1911211366/

“Iran and Israel: Wars and Rumors of Wars”
By: Mark Hitchcock

What’s Next for the Middle East…and How Will It Affect Us?

Iran has repeatedly declared its intention to destroy Israel. ISIS continues to gain ground, leaving a trail of death and terror in its wake. And Russia is inserting itself into Middle Eastern affairs in a power play prophesied long ago.

ISIS, Iran, Israel is an updated edition of the book Iran and Israel by prophecy scholar Mark Hitchcock, with all-new information on ISIS, Russian involvement in Syria and Iran, and the overall state of relations between Israel and Iran. Hitchcock brings a strong biblical perspective to the latest conflicts, while answering important questions such as…

– Are we on the road to the Apocalypse?
– Will there ever be peace in the Middle East?
– What can we expect in the days to come?
– How are events in the Middle East affecting America today?

An eye-opening survey of where things stand and how it all ties in with Bible prophecy.

https://www.amazon.com/Iran-Israel-Wars-Rumors/dp/0736953345/

“Northern Storm Rising: Russia, Iran, and the Emerging End-Times Military Coalition Against Israel”

Almost 2700 years ago, the prophet Ezekiel detailed a massive end-times attack against Israel. The coalition he describes is still making headlines today. Bible scholar Ron Rhodes analyzes current events in the light of biblical prophecy and empowers readers to “interpret the signs of the times” (Matthew 16:3).

This up-to-date assessment of the situation in the Middle East reveals vital information about…

financial and political ties between the group of nations north of Israel
Muslim leaders’ growing antagonism toward Israel and the United States
Iran’s development of nuclear weapons and the resulting threat to global security
the polarization of nations supporting extremist Islam and the rest of the world
globalization and its role in setting the stage for a cataclysmic war
Readers will grow in their confidence in God, for to Him, “the nations are like a drop in a bucket” (Isaiah 40:15).

https://www.amazon.com/Northern-Storm-Rising-End-Times-Coalition/dp/0736921745/

“PSALM 83, The Missing Prophecy Revealed – How Israel Becomes the Next Mideast Superpower”
By: Bill Salus

An ancient prophecy written over 3000 years ago reveals that the Arab states and terrorist populations, which presently share common borders with Israel, will soon confederate in order to wipe Israel off of the map. These enemies of Israel are depicted on the red arrows upon the book cover image, and their mandate is clear: They have said, “Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation, That the name of Israel may be remembered no more.” (Psalm 83:4). Psalm 83 predicts a climactic, concluding Arab-Israeli war that has eluded the discernment of today’s top Bible scholars, and yet, the Middle East stage appears to be set for the fulfillment of this prophecy. While many of today’s top Bible experts are predicting that Russia, Iran, Turkey, Libya, and several other countries are going to invade Israel according to the prophecy in Ezekiel 38, this timely book explains how Psalm 83 occurs prior. Discover how Israel defeats their ancient Arab enemies, and why Americans need to stand beside Israel in this coming war! This book is an updated version of Isralestine, The Ancient Blueprints of the Future Middle East, which was written by the same author. This updated version includes over 17 new chapters and appendices.

https://www.amazon.com/Psalm-83-Missing-Prophecy-Revealed/dp/B0CNW58P4Q/

“Showdown with Iran: Nuclear Iran and the Future of Israel, the Middle East, and the United States in Bible Prophecy”
By: Mark Hitchcock

The Threat of War with Iran Grows Day by Day

Bible prophecy expert Mark Hitchcock, PhD, is noticing a dangerous trend: the nation of Iran remains in the newspaper headlines for all the wrong reasons. In Showdown with Iran, he reveals why this rogue nation is so dangerous and how that connects to what the Bible says about what’s to come while encouraging readers to remain alert, aware, and hopeful as the end times near. He tackles questions such as:

– Does Iran still plan to wipe Israel off the map?
– What does this mean for the future of the Middle East?
– Where does Iran stand in Bible prophecy?
– What will be the role of the United States in Bible prophecy?
– The warning of what will happen is not new.

In the book of Ezekiel, the Bible records a multitude of predictions about the region then known as Persia as well as about the nation of Israel. These ancient prophecies foretell an end-time rise of Iran, as well as Russia and Turkey. But are the prophecies still unfulfilled today?

Hitchcock is convinced Iran continues to play a central role in bringing about chaos in the Middle East. In Showdown with Iran, he explores the continued validity and accuracy of end-time prophecy and answers questions that will become increasingly relevant as the end times draw near.

https://www.amazon.com/Showdown-Iran-Nuclear-Future-Prophecy/dp/0785234470/

“The Coming Islamic Invasion of Israel”
By: Mark Hitchcock

Writing 2,500 years ago, the prophet Ezekiel predicted a Russian-Islamic invasion of Israel in the last days. The third book in Mark Hitchcock’s fascinating prophecy series explains the relevance of this prediction to today’s world. First, he establishes how the current global scene sets the stage for this event and focuses on the identity of the invading nations (those mentioned in Ezekiel are like a Who’s Who of Israel’s current enemies). Hitchcock then considers the time and motives for their attack. Finally, he discusses God’s dramatic intervention that will pave the way for the Antichrist’s worldwide empire.

https://www.amazon.com/Coming-Islamic-Invasion-Israel-Answers/dp/1590527887/

“The Day Approaching: An Israeli’s Message of Warning and Hope for the Last Days”
By: Amir Tsarfati

Enjoy a great reading experience when you buy the Kindle edition of this book. Learn more about Great on Kindle, available in select categories.
View Kindle Edition
Are You Noticing the Signs of the Times?

In the Bible, Jesus spoke about the signs that would make it clear His return is near. What are those signs? And are they evident today?

As a Jewish native Israeli who is a Christian, Amir Tsarfati has a distinct perspective that weaves biblical history, current events, and Bible prophecy together to shine light on the mysteries about the end times. From his vantage point in the Middle East and through careful Bible study, Amir points to evidence that informs us the return of the Lord is imminent.

In The Day Approaching, you will learn…

God’s plans for the world, Israel, the church, and you
that the signs of Christ’s return are visible all around us
about the smoke screen of deception that will lure people away from truth
how even now God is revealing Himself to people and changing their hearts
of the wonders that await us in Jesus’ future millennial kingdom

As you seek hope and clarity about earth’s final days, let the Bible alone be the resource you turn to for answers.

https://www.amazon.com/Day-Approaching-Israelis-Message-Warning/dp/0736981055/

“The End Times Bible Prophecy Box Set: 3 Books in 1 – The End Times, Signs of the Second Coming, and Racing Toward Armageddon”
By: Britt Gillette

Enjoy a great reading experience when you buy the Kindle edition of this book. Learn more about Great on Kindle, available in select categories.
Are we living in the end times? What are the signs of the Second Coming? Are we on the verge of Armageddon? Find the answers to all these questions and more in this three-book box set!

The End Times Bible Prophecy Box Set has over 250 five-star reviews across all books and platforms. Written in easy-to-read, conversational language, this collection examines the key people, nations, and events of the end times – all for more than 40% off the cover price of buying the individual books!

The End Times Bible Prophecy Box Set includes the following three full-length books:

– Signs of the Second Coming
– Racing Toward Armageddon
– The End Times

In Signs of the Second Coming, you’ll learn about the signs Moses, Jesus, and the Old Testament prophets said to look for. Signs such as the Jewish people back in the land of Israel… The Jewish people back in control of Jerusalem… The worldwide spread of the Gospel… And more. You’ll learn almost all the signs the prophets said to look for are present right now. Could ours be the generation of His return? Study the signs for yourself and decide if our generation is destined to witness one of the greatest events in all of human history – the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

In Racing Toward Armageddon, you’ll learn why global government is inevitable… Why the world will worship the Antichrist… Why a new movement promises to transform the human race… And why an overlooked prophecy is the key to understanding the end times. For years, world leaders have warned we’re on the verge of Armageddon. Find out what the Bible says. Learn why our generation is unique in all of human history. Most of all, find out why modern technology will soon lead to the most epic battle of all time – the Battle of Armageddon.

In The End Times, you’ll get answers to pressing questions, such as: What is the Tribulation? Who is the Antichrist? What is the rapture? What is the mark of the beast? How will the world end? And much more. You’ll get a full grasp of the people, places, nations, and events pivotal to the end times. You’ll learn who the key figures and personalities are, what major events are set to take place, and God’s purpose in planning it all. Learn what the Bible says, and you’ll gain new insight into current events. Most of all, you’ll gain an inner peace that comes from knowing God’s plan and purpose for your life.

https://www.amazon.com/End-Times-Bible-Prophecy-Box-ebook/dp/B084M7ZTTB/

“Discovering Daniel: Finding Our Hope in God’s Prophetic Plan Amid Global Chaos”
by Amir Tsarfati and Dr. Rick Yohn

Our Lives and the Future Are in His Hands

While the world appears to be in dire straits, the book of Daniel paints a vivid picture of the many ways God guides our lives and world events, providing us with great reason to hope.

Using the same deep but easy-to-understand style found in his standout seller Revealing Revelation, bestselling author Amir Tsarfati reveals how Daniel’s prophecies—and his unwavering faith amid a contentious culture—provide vital insights for living out these last days with hope and wisdom. As you explore the deep connection between Daniel and Revelation, you will learn how

2,500 years of future history unfolded exactly the way God said it would, demonstrating how all things are in His hands
prophetic mysteries in Daniel reveal crucial insights into the signs, timeline, and events of the last days
God’s ability to use Daniel’s faith in powerful ways shows how He can work through us too

Discovering Daniel reveals how the words, actions, and visions of the prophet Daniel can provide you with purpose and hope in today’s chaotic world, encouraging you to live with confidence in God’s supreme sovereignty and love in the time we have left on this earth.

https://www.amazon.com/Discovering-Daniel-Finding-Prophetic-Global/dp/0736988386

“The Middle East Meltdown: The Coming Islamic Invasion of Israel”
By: Andy Woods

We live in one of the most interesting time periods of history. The Lord seems to be setting the stage for His return as never before. One of these major stage-setting trends that we are currently seeing is the rise of a coalition of nations that harbors a hostile intent toward Israel. No matter which presidential administration comes into office in this nation and no matter how the calendar turns, this is an issue that does not seem to go away.

The prophet Ezekiel foresaw these things 2,600 years ago in a vision along the Chebar River in Babylon. Now, respected Bible Prophecy teacher, Dr. Andy Woods, explains the vision of Ezekiel.

– WHO will be involved in the coming Islamic invasion of Israel?
– WHEN will it take place?
– WHY will all this happen?
– WHAT will the war look like?
– HOW will this all come together to fulfill Ezekiel’s prophecy?

Dr. Woods concludes with seven powerful points of application.

https://www.amazon.com/Middle-East-Meltdown-Islamic-Invasion/dp/1945774002/

“50 Reasons Why We Are Living in the End Times”
By: Dr. David Reagan

In this sermon, videotaped before a live audience, Dr. David Reagan organizes the Signs of the Times that point to the Lord’s return into six categories: the signs of Nature, Society, Religion, World Politics, Technology, and Israel. From these broad categories, he then draws 50 specific signs that clearly indicate we are living on borrowed time in the End Times. It is a fast-paced, informative, and stimulating survey that is lavishly illustrated with PowerPoint® slides. You will want to share it with family and friends. Even more important, you will want to use it with unbelievers as a tool of evangelism.

DVD: https://www.amazon.com/Reasons-Why-Are-Living-Times/dp/B06ZZF27ZR

“Unholy War: America, Israel and Radical Islam”
By: Randall Price

Why does strife continue in the Middle East? How is it connected to terrorist attacks on Western nations? Dr. Price provides a concise, fascinating look at the problems and the players in the Middle East.

https://www.amazon.com/Unholy-War-America-Israel-Radical/dp/0736908234/

“What the Bible Says About Israel: Past, Present, and Future”
By: Cliff McManis

Since the time of Abraham the Jews have occupied the interest of God and the world. 4,000 years later not much has changed: Israel is still front and center-stage in universal conversation. But today there is widespread confusion about Israel-their origin, history, present role and future destiny. Such confusion is unnecessary for God addresses all those issues clearly in His Word, the Bible. After all, from Genesis to Revelation, the context of all the events of biblical history is in relation to the Jews. InWhat the Bible Says About Israel, Pastor McManis explains clearly and simply God’s plan and purpose for the Jews-past, present and future.

https://www.amazon.com/What-Bible-Says-About-Israel/dp/1952221021/

“Are We Living in the End Times?: Biblical Answers to 7 Questions about the Future”
By: Dr. Robert Jeffress

End-Times Prophecy Does Not Need to Be Complicated Or Confusing…

“Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming.” –Matthew 24:42

The words of Jesus remind Christians that–even though we do not know the date when He will return–we need to have our finger on the pulse of what is happening morally, spiritually, and politically in our world. And with the increasing chaos, division, and war happening today, it is right to ask, “Are we living in the end times now?” In this book, Dr. Robert Jeffress provides biblical answers to seven frequently asked questions about the future:

– What Does the Bible Mean by the End Times?
– What Role Does Israel Play in the End Times?
– What News Events Signal the End Times?
– What Are the Major Events of the End Times?
– What’s the Difference between the Rapture and the Second Coming in the End Times?
– Why Has God Delayed the End Times?
– How Do I Prepare for the End Times?

Getting answers to these questions–and understanding the phenomenal events that are going to happen before the revelation of the King of kings and Lord of lords–helps believers face the future with hope and confidence.

https://www.amazon.com/Are-We-Living-End-Times/dp/154090461X

“Signs Of The Second Coming: 11 Reasons Jesus Will Return in Our Lifetime”
By: Britt Gillette

Did you know the Bible contains more prophecies about the Second Coming of Jesus than it does the First? In fact, the Bible says specific signs will appear prior to His return, and Jesus Himself commanded us to look for those signs.In Signs of the Second Coming, you’ll learn about the signs Moses, Jesus, and the Old Testament prophets said to look for. Signs such as:• The Jewish people back in the land of Israel• The Jewish people back in control of Jerusalem• And the worldwide spread of the GospelMore importantly, you’ll learn that almost all of the signs the prophets said to look for are present right now… Could ours be the generation of His return? Study the signs for yourself and decide if our generation is destined to witness one of the greatest events in all of history – the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

https://www.amazon.com/Signs-Second-Coming-Reasons-Lifetime/dp/1500792780/

“Racing Toward Armageddon: Why Advanced Technology Signals the End Times”
By: Britt Gillette

Did you know breakthrough technologies will soon lead to the fulfillment of hundreds of ancient bible prophecies concerning the end times, the Antichrist, and the Second Coming of Jesus? In Racing Toward Armageddon, you’ll learn:•Why global government is inevitable•Why the world will worship the Antichrist•Why a new movement promises to transform the human race•And why an overlooked prophecy is the key to understanding the end timesFor years, world leaders have warned we’re on the verge of Armageddon. Find out what the Bible says. Learn why our generation is unique in all of human history. Most of all, find out why modern technology will soon lead to the most epic battle of all time – the Battle of Armageddon.

https://www.amazon.com/Racing-Toward-Armageddon-Advanced-Technology/dp/1981968709

“Has the Tribulation Begun? Study Guide: Avoiding Confusion and Redeeming the Time in These Last Days”
By: Amir Tsarfati

Are the End Times Here?

As local and international events and news reports become more troubling, interest in Bible prophecy continues to grow. Cultural anxiety is reaching unprecedented highs, and many Christians have begun to wonder if the tribulation described in Revelation is already upon us.

Bestselling author and native Israeli Amir Tsarfati explores what will happen during the tribulation and explains its place on the eternity-to-eternity timeline. His rich knowledge of the Bible and unique perspective on current events equip him to share helpful insights into how the Bible’s signs of the times compare to global events today we can avoid sensationalism and stick to the Word alone
an eternal focus gives us hope and enables us to persevere in today’s temporal world Scripture’s teachings about the end times are more relevant than ever
we must remember to live out our God-given mission with a greater sense of urgency

As we wonder how close the end times truly are, we must return to God’s Word for clarity and wisdom. Has the Tribulation Begun? delivers enlightening biblical truth alongside powerful encouragement to live for the Lord today.

https://www.amazon.com/Has-Tribulation-Begun-Study-Guide/dp/0736987282/

“Here I Stand: A Life of Martin Luther”
By: Roland H. Bainton

The Reformation of the sixteenth century was a vast and complicated movement. It involved kings and peasants, cardinals and country priests, monks and merchants. It spread from one end of Europe to the other, and manifested itself in widely differing forms. Yet in spite of its diverse and complex character, to start to understand the Reformation you need know only one name: Martin Luther. Roland Bainton’s Here I Stand: A Life of Martin Luther remains the definitive introduction to the great Reformer and is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand this towering historical figure.

https://www.amazon.com/Here-Stand-Life-Martin-Luther/dp/1426754434/

“Israel – God’s Alarm Clock”
By: Adrian Rogers

PREFACE:
“Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed” (Genesis 12:1-3).

“And Abram went up out of Egypt…Unto the place of the altar, which he had make there at the first: and there Abram called on the name of the Lord…And the Lord said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward: For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed forever… Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it; for I will give it unto thee” (Genesis 13:1, 4, 14-15, 17).

“…He set the bounds of the people according to the number of the children of Israel. For the Lord’s portion is His people; Jacob is the lot of His inheritance. He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness; He led him about, He instructed him, He kept him as the apple of His eye” (Deuteronomy 32:8-10).

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee. Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces. For my brethren and companions’ sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee. Because of the house of the Lord our God I will seek thy good” (Psalm 122:6-9).
“For thus saith the Lord of hosts…he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of His eye” (Zechariah 2:8).

“If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning…if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy” (Psalm 137:5-6).
“For the Lord hath chosen Jacob unto himself, and Israel for His peculiar treasure” (Psalm 135:4).

“For the Lord hath chosen Zion; He hath desired it for His habitation. This is My rest for ever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it” (Psalm 132:13-14).

“But Zion said, The Lord hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me. Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me…for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children…all flesh shall know that I the Lord am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob” (Isaiah 49:14-16, 25b, 26b).

“Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness. Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King” (Psalm 48:1-2). [more…]

https://www.lwf.org/products/israel-gods-alarm-clock-booklet-k161

“GOD’S PROPHETIC TIME CLOCK – ISRAEL: God’s Prophetic time clock is a Prophesy with a date on it”
By: Leslie Dutcher

Only God knows when most prophesies will happen, however, God tells us in His prophecies about the end times – that when certain events take place, then we will know with certainty when other particular major prophesies will happen. This book explains these prophesies and talks about the disputed ownership of the Temple Mount. All according to the Bible!

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/gods-prophetic-time-clock-israel-leslie-dutcher/1142967056

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

SPECIAL ‘GENERAL’ RESOURCE

“ApologetiX Songbook”
(An interactive PDF)

It features the lyrics to every song on every CD and every “download” from 1993-2020

Special features:

indexed by title, original song, original artist, subject, and Bible verse
each song’s page has icons showing what albums it appears on
each song’s page has a commentary from lyricist J. Jackson
each album’s page includes liner notes and track listing
print any pages you like or use for slides in church
photos from ApologetiX’s debut concert in 1992
discography of out-of-print cassettes
downloadable in PDF format

New features in this edition:

all song commentaries from J. Jackson updated and expanded
also indexed by year when original song spoofed was a hit
J.’s original handwritten rough lyrics to 40 ApX classics
scads of photos from ApX 25th-anniversary concerts
list of 40 ApX parodies most likely to be redone
over 200 new parodies and journal entries
list of the first ApX concerts in each state
six new full-length feature articles
DVD discography and synopses
never-before-seen rare photos
lyrics for over 700 parodies
over 1000 pages!

Interactive features:

click on any page number in indexes or TOC to go to that page
click on any album icon to go to its liner notes and track listings
click on any song title on an album page to go to that song

Note: This e-book is a download-only and doesn’t include sheet music.

The songbook is available for a donation of $50 or more. After we receive your donation, we’ll send you a follow-up email with the link.

Get the Songbook for a donation:
http://www.apologetix.com/store/store.php#songbook

Songbook Demo Video: https://rumble.com/vfazhl-apologetix-songbook-2020-demo.html

“THE SEARCH FOR MEANING” WEBSITE

This site presents discussions on the 12 most commonly asked questions about the Christian faith.

The 12 discussions are accessed by the “tabs” at the bottom of the page. The tabs are numbered 1-12. Roll your mouse over them and you will see the question displayed at the right. Click on the number to select that question.

Within each question (i.e. tabs 1-12), there are subtopics (or dialogues) to select that appear as smaller tabs underneath the numbered tabs. Roll your mouse over them and the title of these topics is also displayed to the right. Click on the open rectangle to select that dialogue.

For each question (1-12), a link to related resources and an optional flowchart is provided. To access this material, click on the respective words, “Related Resources” or “Options Flowchart.”

To play a more detailed discussion of the subject, between two people, select the desired dialogue and click on “Play Audio Dialogue.”

In the upper right-hand corner of the page, there is an icon that looks like binoculars looking at a question mark. Click on this icon to return to the homepage.

In the upper right-hand corner of a “Related Resources” page, there is an icon that looks like some books. Click on this icon to get to an “overview” page that has links to all of the resources for all of the questions. There also are additional “appendices” for most of the questions.

In the upper right-hand corner of a “Flowchart” page, there is an icon that looks like an Org chart. Click on this icon to get to an “overview” page that has links to all of the flowcharts.

http://4vis.com/sfm/sfm_pres/sp_q1_d1_1of10.html

[ Content by: Bill Kraftson and Lamar Smith; Website by Mark Besh ]

“FRUITS OF THE BEATITUDES” WEBSITE
(The ATTITUDES of Jesus that produce the CHARACTER of Jesus)

CLICK ON THE LINK to view:
http://fruitsofthebeatitudes.org/

FACEBOOK PAGE:
https://www.facebook.com/FruitsOfTheBeatitudes/

[ Mark Besh ]

[ P.S.: If you would like to investigate further about what it really means to “believe,” visit the following link:
http://4vis.com/sfm/sfm_pres/sp_q10_d1_1of10.html ].

<<< ARTICLES >>>

“A Brief History of Gaza Ancient and Modern”
This sliver south on the coast of Israel has been under constant conflict for thousands of years. Cutting to the facts, Dr. Erez Soref dives into the history, both ancient and modern of Gaza.

[ One For Israel ]

TEACHING: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEkIJgMwXIM

“Stand with Israel”

Join us for a special Stand with Israel service with Pastor Jack, special speakers (Israel Bachar, Daniel Cohen, and Penny Nance), and guest worship by Marty Goetz.

[ Real Life Network – Jack Hibbs ]

SPECIAL EVENT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yQG3NivHDs

“LAND OWNERSHIP IN PALESTINE, 1880-1948”
A great deal has been spoken and written over the years on the subject of land ownership in Israel—or, before 1948, Palestine. Arab propaganda, in particular, has been at pains to convince the world, with the aid of copious statistics, that the Arabs “own” Palestine, morally and legally, and that whatever Jewish land ownership there may be is negligible. From these conclusions have been drawn (or implied) with regard to the sovereign rights of the State of Israel and the problem of the Arab refugees.

The Arab case against Israel, in the matter of Jewish land purchases, rests mainly on two claims: (1) that the Palestinian Arab farmer was peacefully and contentedly working his land in the latter part of the 19th century and the early part of the 20th when along came the European Jewish immigrant, drove him off his land, disrupted the normal development of the country and created a vast class of landless, dispossessed Arabs; (2) that a small Jewish minority, owning an even smaller proportion of Palestinian lands (5 per cent as against the Arabs’ 95 per cent ), illegally made itself master of Palestine in 1948.

Our purpose in this pamphlet is to set the record straight by marshalling the facts and figures pertaining to this very complex subject, on the basis of the most reliable and authoritative information available, and to trace the history of modern Jewish resettlement purely from the point of view of the sale and purchase of land. [more…]

[ Moshe Aumann ]

ARTICLE: https://lessons.myjli.com/survival/index.php/2017/03/26/land-ownership-in-palestine-1880-1948/

“Was Israel Founded on Stolen Land?”

Israel’s detractors want to make us think that Israel was founded on stolen Arab land. A quick look at the facts presents a different picture. In this week’s episode we talk about the issue of land and the changes in the number of people living on the land in order to equip you to better articulate a response to this false accusation.

[ Susan Michael ]

COMMENTARY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvNQYm1ib3g

“Zionist Land Acquisition: A core element in establishing Israel”

Linking People to the Land : An Overview

To make a modern Jewish state unfold, two physical requirements were necessary: a population and a territory. Immigration and land acquisition made Zionism a reality. Both were oxygen to nation building. Establishing settlements, creating institutions, laying water lines and roads, expanding warehouses, erecting and staffing schools, creating medical facilities, growing urban areas, developing self-governing political, social, cultural and economic institutions, and, reviving Hebrew as a spoken language reflected proactive dynamism. For Jews living abroad, successful transformations or setbacks in Palestine sparked interest and attention. Changes in the Palestine landscape persuaded many to consider or abandon a commitment to support Zionism. With each person absorbedand each land parcel acquired or redeemed, Zionism’s purpose moved towards fulfillment. When another Jew settled in Palestine or an Arab seller sold a parcel of land to a Jewish buyer, Zionism continued to breathe. A symbiotic linkage existed between Jewish land purchase and Jewish immigration, Chaim Weizmann wrote to British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain in 1939, ‘Land was the basis of the [Jewish]National Home; we werenot coming to Palestine to remain town-dwellers, but were striving to return to the soil. Land was fundamental to our work. More than this, agricultural settlement was the main basis of our work and had a direct bearing on immigration.’ 2 [more…]

[ Kenneth W. Stein ]

REPORT (PDF): https://ismi.emory.edu/documents/Zionist%20Land%20Aquisition.pdf

“What is Antisemitism?”

We’re the Prophecy Watchers. We have a long history of working to bring the truth of Bible prophecy to an audience of Christian believers who may not have local access to sound prophetic teaching, based upon the inspired writings of the Apostles and the traditional doctrine concerning the rapture of the church. Though we don’t believe in setting dates, it is clear that the rapture of the church is imminent, perhaps much nearer than we think.

[ Gary Stearman and Mondo Gonzalez ]

COMMENTARY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bOIcdA6veI

“The global rise of anti-Semitism – an exclusive interview with Lou Dobbs”

Tom Tradup interviews Lou Dobb about the dangerous rise of anti-Semitism in the world.

[ All Israel News ]

INTERVIEW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCqwQOF9K34

“Jews around the world don’t feel safe anymore amid a steep rise in antisemitism”

Jewish organizations, kindergartens and schools around the world are raising their security as hundreds of thousands protest against Israel and antisemitic hate crimes are rising.

[ Keshet 12 News ]

VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AINpztY24Ik

“A new wave of antisemitism threatens to rock an already unstable world”

History is flashing warnings to the world.

Outbursts of antisemitism have often been harbingers of societies in deep trouble and omens that extremism and violence are imminent.

So the wave of global hatred directed against Jews – intensified by Israel’s indiscriminate response in Gaza to horrific Hamas terrorist murders of Israeli civilians on October 7 – should not just be seen as a reaction to the Middle East yet again slumping into war.

Recent antisemitism is also a reflection of destructive forces tearing at American and western European societies, where stability and democracy are already under pressure. [more…]

[ Stephen Collinson ]

ARTICLE: https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/31/politics/antisemitism-unstable-world-analysis/index.html

“Israel Just Changed The World! This Is Why!!!”

When war was declared by Israel against its Barbaric attackers, the world changed, and it will never be the same again. There are so many reasons for that, and among those reasons are the geopolitical shifts that have taken place not just in the region, but around the world. Today we’ll talk about why that is and what you should be considering as we move forward.

[ James Kaddis ]

COMMENTARY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFJ0evE8vlE

“Israel at War“

Tonight, Brandon and I will address the current war in Israel, covering its causes and motivations, considering potential scenarios that could unfold in the future, and examining how this war fits into the prophetic puzzle. We will also address the conspiracy theory mentality which blames the Israeli government for intentionally allowing this to happen to further its own nefarious agenda.

[ Lee Brainard interviews Brandon Holthaus ]

INTERVIEW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ME86f6b5sh4

“Israel At War, End Times Harbinger“

[ Curt Reed interviews Olivier Melnick ]

INTERVIEW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjhpsK_z5dA

“Q & A with Amir Tsarfati & Barry Stagner | Nov. 21, 2023”

Join Amir Tsarfati and Pastor Barry Stagner for Q & A, answering your questions about Bible Prophecy and current events!

[ Amir Tsarfati; Barry Stagner; Mike Goley ]

Q&A: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4IOW2QXDMM

“Israel at War: An Israeli Perspective”

Avi Lipkin is a former spokesperson for the IDF and an Israeli resident. We value is insight into the current war with Hamas.

[ Gary Stearman interviews Avi Lipkin ]

INTERVIEW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xK76x9HCJN8

“Israel or Palestine? Who’s Right? Facts & Myths”

It can be hard to keep track of what is true during a crisis. TV pundits throw facts around till our heads spin, but truth can be found when we know where to look. In this message, Skip Heitzig separates fact from fiction to get a clear understanding of this conflict between the Jews and Palestinians.

[ Skip Heitzig ]

SERMON: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vs21DnTs8sw

“Report shows connection between rising antisemitism on US college campuses and undisclosed donations”

Published: November 10, 2023

Pro-Palestinian students take part in a protest amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, at Columbia University in New York City, October 12, 2023. (Photo: REUTERS/Jeenah Moon)
A new report issued by the Network Contagion Research Institute shows a connection between billions of dollars in undisclosed donations to U.S. colleges – much of it from authoritarian Middle Eastern countries – and a rise in antisemitic incidents.

A team of researchers from several universities contributed to the NCRI report, having obtained their information from the FBI and the U.S. Department of Education.

According to the study, schools that received donations from Middle Eastern nations such as Qatar and Saudi Arabia but did not disclose them “had on average, 300% more antisemitic incidents than those institutions that did not.”

“A massive influx of foreign, concealed donations to American institutions of higher learning, much of it from authoritarian regimes with notable support from Middle Eastern sources, reflects or supports heightened levels of intolerance towards Jews, open inquiry, and free expression,” the report stated.

The NCRI also revealed that “over 200 American colleges and universities illegally withheld information on approximately $13 billion in undocumented contributions from foreign governments, many of which are authoritarian.”

Colleges are required by Federal law to declare donations from foreign governments to the Department of Education.

Among the colleges that received the largest share of undisclosed foreign donations, Harvard University, Cornell University and Georgetown University topped the list, all of which have been featured in national headlines for showing pro-Hamas support since the Oct. 7 brutal terror attacks on Israel.

“This report raises the sobering possibility that international actors are using undisclosed channels to funnel large amounts of money into college campuses (including elite institutions that often have outsized influence on American culture and politics) for purposes harmful to the democratic norms of pluralism, tolerance, and freedom,” the NCRI report stated.

“There clearly has been an erosion of democratic norms on campuses….These developments are surely complex and multiply determined. One possibility, however, is that receipt of undocumented funding from foreign sources, especially authoritarian ones, has contributed to these developments.”

Qatar was the largest donor, supplying $2.7 billion in undisclosed funds.

The House Committee on Education and the Workforce passed a bill on Wednesday to lower the reporting thresholds for foreign donations, according to the Jewish News Syndicate.

The bill was co-sponsored by Rep. Michelle Steel (R-CA) and passed with a bipartisan 27-11 vote.

“Qatar, one of the most vocal pro-Hamas, antisemitic countries in the world, has given over $1 billion dollars to U.S. universities from 2011 to 2016,” Steel said.

The bill “is designed to increase transparency and accountability to ensure these universities follow the law in reporting these ‘donations.’”

[ All Israel News Staff ]

“The Roots and Rise of Antisemitism – Revelation 12:1-12”

Around the world and close to home, protesters are taking their rhetoric against the Jewish community to the streets. Violent language and calls to actions targeting Israel are no longer hidden but spoken aloud for all to hear. In this message, Skip Heitzig discusses the rise of antisemitism with Johnnie Moore and God’s protection of His people from Bible times to present day.

[ Skip Heitzig ]

SERMON: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSsWgmRLtts

“The Unprotected War Front in Israel That No One Knows About”

500,000 Israeli Jews, a quarter of whom are under the age of 14, live in Judea and Samaria, Israel’s Biblical Heartland. These Jewish communities, in a region sometimes referred to as the West Bank, are surrounded by 2 million Palestinians, the majority of whom support Hamas, or at a minimum, violence against Israel.

Operation Ittai’s mission is to airlift emergency supplies and equipment to the small Jewish communities and farms located in Judea and Samaria during this time of crisis. Your support will enable us to bring protective vests, helmets, night vision goggles, binoculars, flashlights, and much more to those in Israel who need them most.

[ The Israel Guys ]

COMMENTARY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DxVFYywvJUY

“The Global War on the Jews”

Anti-Semitism surges, even in the West, which shows why Israel exists.

Review and Outlook: The Secretary-General abandons Israel, a state the U.N. helped to create. Images: Zuma Press/AP/Getty Images Composite: Mark Kelly
The disturbing fact of the past month is that Jews are under attack not only in Israel and not only by Hamas. The weeks since the barbaric Oct. 7 Hamas invasion of Israel have witnessed physical assaults on Jews the world over, including in the U.S. and Europe. This most modern of pogroms—global, televised, politicized—demonstrates exactly what is at stake as Israel ramps up its defensive war against Hamas in Gaza.

The Islamist group and its Western enablers are pursuing or justifying a genocidal war against Jews, not merely a territorial dispute with Israel. And since Western governments too often seem unable to protect the Jewish minorities in their midst, Israel must defend itself as the only safe home for the Jewish people.

This weekend hundreds of rioters in Dagestan, Russia, stormed an airport in search of Jewish travelers. Mobs raided hotels in other parts of the North Caucasus looking for Jews, and a Jewish community center under construction in the city of Nalchik was the target of an apparent attack.

Germany has witnessed a spate of anti-Semitic incidents, including an attack with Molotov cocktails against a synagogue in Berlin on Oct. 18. Some Jews found Stars of David painted on their homes, an echo of the Nazi persecution. German politicians have been forceful in their denunciations, but apparently not forceful enough in their policing.

Two Jewish schools in London closed for a period over safety concerns, and some British Jews no longer feel safe wearing visible symbols of their faith. They’re probably right to worry the state can’t protect them. Tens of thousands of protesters in London over three successive weekends called for “jihad” and chanted “from the river to the sea,” a demand for the erasure of Israel and by extension its citizens. A crowd in Sydney, Australia, chanted “gas the Jews” after the Hamas attack.

Americans like to believe such things couldn’t happen in the U.S. They have. The Anti-Defamation League last week reported a 388% increase in anti-Semitic incidents from Oct. 7-23 compared with the same period a year ago. The 312 incidents the ADL recorded include a car carrying individuals with Palestinian flags allegedly swerving toward a Jewish family and several alleged assaults by pro-Palestinian protesters. The ADL tally counts 109 anti-Israel rallies that featured support for Hamas or violence against Jews in Israel.

These and too many other incidents to count put paid to the notion that one can distinguish anti-Zionism from anti-Semitism since Oct. 7. If protesters wanted to burn Israeli flags in a fit of wrong-headed pique about a two-state solution, that is one thing. Only anti-Jewish hate can explain how synagogues, children and airports are targets of this outrage.

Yet many Western intellectuals—and a growing number of politicians—insist on maintaining this false distinction. They’ve seen what Hamas has done to innocent Israeli civilians, and what pro-Hamas protesters have said and done in Western streets. They’d nonetheless forgive any violence by Hamas or Hezbollah against Jews as anticolonial defiance.

This is why Israel is fighting, and must fight, as hard as it is for its survival as a state. And why it’s inexcusable for any Western politician now to demand a cease-fire in Gaza. No leader who is demonstrably incapable of protecting Jews in his or her own country should try to prevent Israel from defending itself. This is how the West slips from “never again” into “nowhere is safe.”

This global war on Jews also clarifies what is at stake for Western societies in this fight. The West spent the decades after the civilizational catastrophe of the Holocaust vowing never again to allow itself to slide into such barbarism. What we see now in the attacks on Jews is how that slide began.

Before there was a Chancellor Hitler in 1933, there were roving bands of Brownshirts inflicting political and anti-Semitic violence on the streets of Germany. They too often went unchecked by police, prosecutors and politicians who didn’t understand the menace, sympathized with the offenders, or merely felt overwhelmed by the scale of the danger. Hitler gained power in part because the German state no longer could maintain its monopoly on violence in defense of democratic values.

Today’s threats to democracy are different, but one lesson is the same and is crystal-clear: A Western society that can’t or won’t muster the will to defend its Jewish neighbors and fellow citizens won’t be able to defend itself.

[ Wall Street Journal ]

“Will This Time Of War In Israel Pave The Way For A Time Of Counterfeit Peace?”

Last month, Prime Minister Netanyahu quoted the book of Ecclesiastes, declaring, “The Bible says there’s a time for peace and a time for war. This is a time for war.” He’s dead right about that. Israel’s most important priority right now is to defeat and displace Hamas. That is the predicate for any future lasting peace in the Middle East.

Prime Minister Netanyahu called the current conflict Israel’s “second War of Independence.”

The first War of Independence was in 1948, the rebirth of the modern state of Israel, when they were invaded by five nations simultaneously. Calling this their “second war of independence” is a powerful statement. Netanyahu also said Israel is “only at the beginning” regarding the conflict with the terrorist organization. [more…]

[ Mark Hitchcock ]

ARTICLE: https://harbingersdaily.com/will-this-time-of-war-in-israel-pave-the-way-for-a-time-of-counterfeit-peace/

“Standing for Israel”

Over 200,000 people filled the National Mall to show support for Israel yesterday.
People of many faiths and political be beliefs were united in their stand for the Jewish nation and against anti-Semitism.

Well, the rally came in response to weeks of pro Palestinian and anti-israel protests in America and around the world. CBN Washington correspondent Hillary Powell was at the March and she brings us this report.

With a message in song to stamp out hate. Organizers say an estimated 290,00 people spoke with thier feet gathering on the National Mall to stand with Israel condemn anti-Semitism and call for the safe return of the remaining nearly 240 hostages abducted by Hamas on October 7th. Family members fought back tears to tell their stories [more…]

[ The 700 Club ]

VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bnpa4jdt8U

“Stand with Israel – Against its enemies, and ours”

In Washington today, Americans standing with Israel will rally on the National Mall. Their purpose is to speak for the vast majority of us who reject the narratives relentlessly promoted by our enemies in the jihadist Muslim Brotherhood and allied Marxist groups, here and abroad.

In particular, the latter insist the Jewish State is engaged in genocide. Yet, they support – and relentlessly endorse – the truly genocidal goal of Hamas, namely eliminating Jews “from the [Jordan] River to the [Mediterranean] Sea.”

In fact, supporters of Hamas not only effectively endorse the anti-Semitic violence it relentlessly unleashes on Jewish civilians and decry Israel’s justified efforts to prevent more. They also ignore the jihadists’ murderous mistreatment of Gazan civilians reduced to human shields for underground command centers and firing positions in hospitals, schools and refugee camps.

Stand with Israel and against its enemies – and ours.

[ Frank Gaffney ]

Why Do Christians Support Israel?
Stand for Israel | December 5, 2022

There are many reasons why Christians support Israel. One of the most important is that God blesses those who bless Israel. Giving to His people not only fulfills this biblical calling, it also provides help to others and is a truly virtuous way to live. Many Christians support Israel and her people because they are filling a moral duty while carrying out God’s Word.

5 Reasons Why Christians Support Israel

– God Blesses Those Who Bless Israel
By supporting Israel, Christians are living by the Word of God. And, as God promises in Genesis 12:3, “I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” Scripture tells us that if we send blessings to Israel and her people, those blessings will be returned. What a great way to act on Scripture and give as God has given to us. And, as we read in the Bible, these blessings will be returned.

– Christians’ Opportunity to Be Part of Biblical Prophecy
One key thing to note is that biblical prophecy comes to life in Israel. Israel is mentioned in the Bible over 2,500 times, and is where many stories, lessons, and parables throughout Scripture took place. As mentioned in the Bible, God gave the deed of this land to Abraham and Isaac. God trusted these Israelite men to not only take care for His land, but to carry on His Word.

Isaiah 11:12 says, “He will raise a banner for the nations and gather the exiles of Israel; he will assemble the scattered people of Judah from the four corners of the earth.” When biblical prophecy is fulfilled, all of God’s people will come home to Israel. Supporting Israel and her people is an opportunity to take part in rebuilding God’s Promised Land.

As mentioned above, Israel is the setting and backdrop for many Bible stories. It’s one of the few tangible things that people have to show their faith. That’s why it’s so important we do everything we can to preserve God’s Holy Land. It’s home to many biblical sites and is significant to both Jewish and Christian faiths. The people of Israel already live in a state of vulnerability, a tiny country surrounded by enemies, and they need our help. Providing aid to Israel will both preserve the land where our faiths began and provide comfort to the many people who live there that are suffering.

Jewish men covered in white prayer shawls overlooking Jerusalem.
Jewish men covered with prayer shawls pray on the seventh day of Sukkot, on the Mount of Olives, overlooking the Old City of Jerusalem.

– Israel is Allies with the U.S.
Religion, democracy, and security are important values to many. In addition to supporting others of faith it’s important to support those who support us, including in matters of national security. Israel and the United States have been long-time partners in security. Both parties share a foundational bond of being democracies. The U.S. and Israel have supported one another since the establishment of the modern state of Israel in 1948. Maintaining this relationship across all sectors is of the utmost importance.

– A Better Understanding of the Bible
Israel also gives us a better understanding of the Bible. Being able to visit the places where so many beloved Bible stories took place can be truly enlightening for people of faith, and can even help spread God’s Word. Being able to visit Israel not only educates us on the history of our faiths, but can strengthen and provide direction to our personal lives. The feeling of connection to the Holy Land after a visit to Israel is a moving experience.

There are many stories in the Bible that took place in Israel, and the Torah is predominantly based in Israel. The Torah is the first five books of the Bible, and is where Christianity and the Jewish faith really started. Visiting the land of Israel, we can truly feel the presence of God. One example of this would be the Western Wall. Many go there to pray, and feel closer to God in these moments. Landmarks like the Western Wall are not only important for people of faith to have a tangible place to feel closer to God, but also serve as an emblem of faith for those who may have never heard God’s Word. While comforting to those who already believe in Him, tangible landmarks from the Bible can speak to God’s power for those who do not.

– Christians Want to Build Bridges with Jews
The Jewish people have faced enemies for thousands of years. These people have gone through multiple trials of adversity and much of that has stemmed from their faith. The Holocaust is just one example of how Jews have been persecuted for their faith. Building bridges of fellowship and understanding between Jews and Christians honors and supports Israel, the land from which both of these faiths stemmed.

Edith Schaeffer, author of “Christianity Is Jewish,” discusses how Christianity stems from the Jewish faith, concluding that both the Christian and Jewish faiths are built on the exact same principles. In a world of such division, now is not the time to continue creating borders. Christian Zionists recognize the immense spiritual debt that Christianity owes the Jewish faith and feel they owe the Jewish people honor, respect, and support. It’s important to embrace our similarities and support one another, just as it’s crucial that we remember what divided us in the past and remedy those division.

Christians also recognize with sorrow and repentance the persecution Jewish people have faced throughout history. Creating a new relationship based on mutual respect and understanding is the way to do this. Many Jewish people are still suffering in Israel—with no heat, limited access to food, and without reliable medicine. Supporting elderly and vulnerable Jews is just one way to build these new relationships, and to serve our brothers and sisters in faith. The Fellowship provides the essentials that these suffering people need. Whether that be heat or a meal, you can improve the life of a Jew today and contribute to those in need in the Holy Land.

Should Christians Support Israel?
There are many people who believe Christians should support Israel. Pastor and Sr. Director of Church Outreach at The Fellowship Roger Cheeks is just one of these Christians who support Israel and her people.

In his words, “As a Christian, I support Israel because I believe that I am blessed as a result of my support to Israel.” Diving deeper, Cheeks explains that Romans 11:17 comes to mind when thinking of Christians supporting Israel: “If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root.”

Christians supporting Israel is just one way that God’s people can remain united. Pastor Cheeks’ says, “The children of Israel are God’s special people; and the promise of blessings the Lord would grant to Abraham and those who bless them is still an active truth!” Using Pastor Cheeks’ words for inspiration we can see that Scripture really does promise to bless those who bless Israel and her people.

Further explaining his support, Pastor Cheeks says, “I support the Fellowship because of its prophetic call and biblio-centric focus found on Scripture, especially Isaiah 58. It supports the humanitarian work The Fellowship does for the Jewish people worldwide and the people in Israel.”

[ International Fellowship of Christians and Jews ]

“What About the Palestinians?”

“What about the Palestinians?” It’s crucial to remember how this conflict began. Hamas initiated an attack on Israel, resulting in one of the worst incidents of violence against Jewish people since the Holocaust. Israel has been defending itself ever since to prevent such a tragedy from happening again. While the world calls for a ceasefire due to innocent Palestinian casualties, it’s essential to acknowledge that innocent lives are lost in any war—this is the grim reality of conflict.

Within the Palestinian population, there exists a group called Hamas, blending in with the Palestinian people. They wear the same clothes, the same shoes, and claim to be Palestinians. However, they are a cancer within this community.

Gaza, mentioned throughout the Bible, is a historically war-torn region, cursed, and inhabited by giants and famous Philistine warriors. It’s a land destined for turmoil until Christ’s return.

Are there innocent Palestinians dying? Yes, and it’s heartbreaking. But let’s remember that Hamas uses Palestinians as shields. When Israel advised them to evacuate to the south, Hamas threatened them, demanding they stay as human shields. Interestingly, countries like Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Iran, and Iraq don’t want the Palestinian people either.

What we’re witnessing is a complex battle, and understanding the Bible is essential to grasp the reality. Don’t rely solely on mainstream narratives; let’s ensure our perspective aligns with biblical understanding, for God knows the truth.

[ Jack Hibbs ]

COMMENTARY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ma9jdL3b0Ao

“Ancient prophecy that ‘the nations… will bring your sons’ fulfilled in our times”

“Behold, I will lift up My hand to the nations and set up My standard to the peoples; And they will bring your sons in their bosom, and your daughters will be carried on their shoulders.” (Isaiah 49:22)

Even before Israel was conquered by both Babylon and the Romans, and before the people were scattered to the nations, Isaiah was prophesying that God would bring them back; not just bring them back to their ancestral homeland but that He would do so by the most miraculous and improbable means. The nations would do it, carrying their sons and daughters to their homes as a miraculous sign to the people of the earth. After 2,000 years of exile, only God could do that.

In Isaiah’s prophecy, the Hebrew word translated as “standard” is “nes.” In modern Hebrew, “nes” means “miracle.”

Behold I will lift up My hand to the nations and set up My MIRACLE to the peoples.”

After 2,000 years of homelessness and persecution, to have nations worldwide provide support and help restore the independent nation of Israel would truly be a miracle. Today, if you are reading this article with love and support for Israel, you are already a part of Isaiah’s prophecy! Yet the story begins even earlier.

While this article is far too short to document the history of non-Jewish support for a Jewish homeland that dates back to the 1600s, things really picked up steam in the 1800s.

In the most unlikely of places, in 1866, 157 Christians from Jonesport, Maine believed it was time for God to restore His people to the land and wanted to assist in that process.

They deconstructed their Maine homes, loaded them onto ships, along with farming equipment and animals, and set sail to Jaffa, Israel, where they rebuilt their homes and established a community on empty sand dunes just north of the city. While the community eventually fell apart within 2 years, you can still visit their homes in Tel Aviv today.

Ultimately, they weren’t wrong nor were they the first to speak about the restoration of the Jewish homeland, but they were one of the first to personally be moved to action. They were simply a little ahead of their time.

When they arrived in Jaffa in 1866, Theodor Herzl, considered to be the father of modern Zionism, was only six years old and living in Hungary.

This was about 20 years before the first large wave of Jewish immigration to the land in the 1880s and 30 years before Herzl published his work in 1896, calling for a national Jewish homeland. The “small Jewish village” of Tel Aviv would not be established for another 44 years, in 1910.

Then came the Balfour Declaration in 1917, when the British Empire recognized the need for a Jewish nation in their ancient homeland. During this time, influential men of the nations like Lord Shaftsbury to Winston Churchill and many others supported this idea. This all culminated on Nov 29, 1947, when the League of Nations approved the partition of Palestine for a Jewish home. Ironically, if the vote were to be held today, it is unlikely it would pass.

In his 2009 study entitled “In Zeal of Zion,” Prof. Shalom Goldman of Emory University wrote: “Until the late 19th century, most plans for Jewish entity in Palestine were Christian.”

He continues and upends the common belief that this “Christian Zionism” was just a few “Righteous Gentiles” who supported the Jewish struggle for statehood. It was more widely accepted among “Gentiles” than even Jewish communities at the time.

An unassimilated ancient people group was thrown out of their homeland and scattered to the four corners of the earth for 2,000 years, then returned to their ancient homeland with the help of the nations, most of whom didn’t exist at the time of their exile. It’s never happened before in human history.

On a practical level for this to take place, God would have to do something truly amazing… like lifting His own Hand to the nations and setting up His Miracle to the people. Only God could do that.

After 2,600 years, He did so, with the help of the nations on behalf of His covenant people.

Perhaps even more stunning is that He told us He would do this in scripture. Today, as the return continues, God is still offering the nations the opportunity to join Him in fulfilling His miraculous promise. He still has a plan. If you’ve ever wanted to be a part of fulfilling Bible prophecy, this is your chance.

[ Doug Hershey ]

“From Time Immemorial: The Origins of the Arab-Jewish Conflict Over Palestine”
by Joan Peters

Joan Peters began this book planning to write about the Arabs who fled Palestine in 1948-49, when armies of the Arab states attempted to destroy the fledgling state of Israel. In the course of research on this subject, she came across a “seemingly casual” discrepancy between the standard definition of a refugee and the definition used for the Palestinian Arabs. In other cases, a refugee is someone forced to leave a permanent or habitual home. In this case, however, it is someone who had lived in Palestine for just two years before the flight that began in 1948.

This discrepancy made little impression on her at first, Miss Peters recounts. But as she continued, the anomaly of the Palestinians “began to nag and unravel” the outline of her book. Why a separate definition for the Palestinians? What was it about them that had to be incorporated in the official description of eligibility for refugee status? Reading historical materials about Palestine in the years before 1948, Miss Peters came across a statement by Winston Churchill that she says opened her eyes to the situation in Palestine. In 1939 Churchill challenged the common notion that Jewish immigration into Palestine had uprooted its Arab residents. To the contrary, according to him, “So far from being persecuted, the Arabs have crowded into the country and multiplied till their population has increased more than even all world Jewry could lift up the Jewish population.”

Peters’ historical detective work has produced start-ling results, which should materially influence the future course of the debate about the Palestinian problem.

Arabs crowded into Palestine? As Miss Peters pursued this angle she found a fund of obscure information that confirmed Churchill’s observation. Drawing on census statistics and a great number of contemporary accounts, she pieced together the dimensions of Arab immigration into Palestine before 1948. Although others have noted this phenomenon, she is the first to document it, to attempt to quantify it, and to draw conclusions from it. Her historical detective work has produced startling results, which should materially influence the future course of the debate about the Palestinian problem. [more…]

[ Daniel Pipes ]

ARTICLE: https://www.danielpipes.org/1110/from-time-immemorial

INTERVIEW: https://www.levitt.tv/media/data/V680%20From%20Time%20Immemorial%201-CC.mp4?pl

“Zola Levitt with Joan Peters, author of “From Time Immemorial”

Joan Peters, author of “From Time Immemorial: The Origins of the Arab-Jewish Conflict Over Palestine”, has written and lectured widely on the Middle East, Central America, and the Soviet Union.

White House advisor on American Foreign policy in the Middle East during the Carter Administration.
Lectured at the U.S. State Dept. and other foreign policy institutions.
Member of the National Committee on American Foreign Policy.
Contributed to Harper’s Commentary, The New Republic, The New Leader and other periodicals.

[ Zola Levitt ]

PART 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLyA6fgaIUY

PART 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OirL0mVkf04

“The Times of Israel – Telling Israel’s Story” (Trailer)

[ Eyal Resh ]

VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTeyqQpdd6E&t=1s

“History of Israel”

1) Before the modern state of Israel there was the British mandate, Not a Palestinian state.
2) Before the British mandate there was the ottoman empire, Not a Palestinian state.
3) Before the Ottoman Empire there was the Islamic mamluk sultanate of Egypt, Not a Palestinian state.
4) Before the Islamic Mamluk Sultanate of Egypt there was the Ayyubid dynasty, Not a Palestinian state. Godfrey of bouillon conquered it in 1099.
5) Before the Ayyubid dynasty there was the Christian kingdom of Jerusalem, Not a Palestinian state.
6) Before the Christian kingdom of Jerusalem there was the Fatimid caliphate, Not a Palestinian state.
7) Before the Fatimid caliphate there was the byzantine empire, Not a Palestinian state.
Before the byzantine empire there was the Roman empire, Not a Palestinian state.
9) Before the Roman empire there was the Hasmonean dynasty, Not a Palestinian state.
10) Before the Hasmonean dynasty there was the Seleucid empire, Not a Palestinian state.
11) Before the Seleucid empire there was the empire of Alexander the 3rd of Macedon, Not a Palestinian state.
12) Before the empire of Alexander the 3rd of Macedon there was the Persian empire, Not a Palestinian state.
13) Before the Persian empire there was the Babylonian empire, Not a Palestinian state.
14) Before the Babylonian empire there was the kingdoms of Israel and Judea, Not a Palestinian state.
15) Before the kingdoms of Israel and Judea there was the kingdom of Israel, Not a Palestinian state.
16) Before the kingdom of Israel there was the theocracy of the 12 tribes of Israel, Not a Palestinian state.
17) Before the theocracy of the 12 tribes of Israel there was the individual state of Canaan, Not a Palestinian state.

In fact, in this corner of the earth there was everything but a Palestinian state!

[ Voice of Israel ]

“Discover the amazing History of the Jewish followers of Yeshua!”

This course will survey the history of Jewish followers of Jesus. The trends and developments of Jewish-Christian relations throughout history will serve as the backdrop as we examine the accomplishments, trials, and successes of this often neglected group. The course will also highlight God’s faithfulness in keeping His promise of a remnant.

October 11, 2023 New Testament era
October 18, 2023 Church Fathers and Mishnah
October 25, 2023 Byzantine and Talmudic
November 1, 2023 Dark Ages
November 8, 2023 High Middle Ages
November 15, 2023 Renaissance and Reformation
November 22, 2023 Thanksgiving Break – no class
November 29, 2023 Enlightenment
December 6, 2023 Holocaust and Post Holocaust
December 13, 2023 Israel
December 20, 2023 Modern Period

[ One For Israel ]

TEACHING: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDnly0x-oYs

“Who Does the Land Belong to Israelis or Palestinians?”

The popular version of the formation of the modern nation of Israel is based on several myths. David Wood and Brother Rachid discuss the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, the British Mandate of Palestine, the persecution of Jews in Muslim countries, and the modern State of Israel.

[ Acts 17 Polemics ]

TEACHING: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJiX9_spvak&t=313s

TEACHING: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJiX9_spvak&t=1011s

“Genesis 138 – Who Owns the Land?”

Genesis 35:9-15 • Dr. Andy Woods • November 12, 2023

[ Andy Woods ]

TEACHING: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XihNH9gO-as

“British Palestine (1917-1948)”

The League of Nations (LON) formally adopted a British mandate for Palestine in July 1922, which incorporated the principles of the Balfour Declaration in the mandate. Arab nationalists opposed the establishment of a Jewish state in Palestine. [more…]

ARTICLE: https://uca.edu/politicalscience/home/research-projects/dadm-project/middle-eastnorth-africapersian-gulf-region/british-palestine-1917-1948/

“What is Unfolding in the Middle East? Are There Prophetic Implications? Will it Escalate?”

Caleb of “The Joshua and Caleb Report” consulted with Bill Salus as the one he considers “the foremost authority on Psalm 83” and the only one he could think of to ask about the current Middle East events. Among other topics, Bill gives an excellent analysis of why the Psalm 83 prophecy will most likely take place before the Tribulation. The program was recorded on October 25, 2023, and will be aired on their TV station at a future date, but they gave Bill the go-ahead to post it to Prophecy Depot’s YouTube channel now. (The actual interview begins at the 2.17 mark, not at the 2.03 mark)

[ Caleb interviews ill Salus ]

INTERVIEW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epYuSslgZnI

“The Wars of Israel”

We are sharing Part 1 of the story of the miraculous survival of the nation of Israel in modern times. This will be accompanied by biblical truth in contrast to the deception of today’s news. Tune in to Amir’s message, which is fact-based, documentary-supported, and loaded with Bible verses!

[ Amir Tsarfati ]

PART 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lXKAKsP9FA&t=131s

PART 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVov2Dy7ckU

“The Conversation You’re About To Witness Is Powerful!!!”

Much of what we are seeing in the Middle East right now is staggeringly complex. The difficulties often associated with the lack of cultural understanding, geo-politics, and history of the region has made for an unstable mess that few understand. The conversation you’re about to witness is going to shed some light on many of those issues and we promise it will be worth the tie you spent watching.

[ James Kaddis ]

INTERVIEW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjgM8XXp31Q

“The Biggest Lie in the Palestine vs. Israel Debate”

Benjamin Netanyahu was recently reelected as Prime Minister of Israel, having previously served in the office from 1996–1999 and 2009–2021. From 1967–1972 he served as a soldier and commander in Sayeret Matkal, an elite special forces unit of the Israeli Defense Forces. A graduate of MIT, he served as Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations from 1984–1988, before being elected to the Israeli parliament as a member of the Likud party in 1988. He has published five previous books on terrorism and Israel’s quest for peace and security. He lives in Jerusalem with his wife, Sara. In his newest book “Bibi: My Story” the newly reelected prime minister of Israel tells the story of his family, the story of his people, his path to leadership, and his unceasing commitment to defending his country and securing its future.

[ Jordan Peterson interviews Benjamin Netanyahu ]

INTERVIEW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xLkjvZDsIU

“Get Rid of the Jews?”

Why should Christians care about the Jews and Israel? Do you happen to hold the belief of “replacement theology” which has the Christian Church assuming the role over Israel, God’s covenanted people? Is God done with Israel? Find out what the Bible says about these topics and more in this episode.

[ Jack Hibbs ]

TEACHING: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnfgdmJM4bY

“What’s Happening In Israel?”

Interview with pastor Tom Hughes.

[ Pastor Johnny Zacchio ]

INTERVIEW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ah8QC_-i7s

“Are We Prepared for the Consequences???”

This week on Marking the End Times, I discuss antisemitism and its significance as a sign of the times. As we witness a 400% increase in global antisemitism, I aim to shed light on the connection between the hatred of Jews and Israel.

[ Dr. Mark Hitchcock ]

TEACHING: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnzAuBf0J-0

“Happening Now Update: ISRAEL AT WAR”

[ Jack Hibbs ]

TEACHING: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5b0z5IzKlo

“The Day That Changed the World”

Jan Markell talks to Michele Bachmann for the hour. Many are saying that October 7 was a day that changed our world. It appears the whole world has reverted to Germany in the 1930s. Strong delusion is the new norm. Where is this going? Will today’s church take a stand?

[ Jan Markell interviews Michele Bachmann ]

INTERVIEW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uo9CYYTZI0

“Massive Troop Deployments – SITREP 11.20.23”

[ Monkey Werx ]

COMMENTARY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_56Eha28Qhw&t=1018s

“The FUTURE of the JEWISH PEOPLE”

What happens to the Jewish people according to end time Bible prophecy? Find out with hosts Tim Moore and Nathan Jones of the Lamb & Lion Ministries evangelism team as they provide their Prophetic Perspectives

[ Tim Moore & Nathan Jones ]

COMMENTARY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ad6HoSLczQ

“Something Big And Stupid Is About To Happen!”

[ Tom Hughes and Lee Brainard ]

COMMENTARY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEQjZqJdpcA

“Something Is Wrong!”

[ Tom Hughes and David Tal ]

COMMENTARY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypWH3Tv3taI

“Special Middle East Update: The War in Israel | Nov. 7, 2023”

Join Amir for a Special Middle East Update on the War in Israel.

[ Amir Tsarfati ]

COMMENTARY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=quNVuQtKKe4

“The Israel War Prophecy Update”

[ Billy Crone ]

PART 1: https://rumble.com/v3qwcjz-billy-crone-the-israel-war-prophecy-update.html

PART 2: https://rumble.com/v3tr2cf-billy-crone-the-israel-war-prophecy-update-2.html

PART 3: https://rumble.com/v3v75zr-billy-crone-the-israel-war-update-3.html

“PROPHETIC OBSERVATIONS OF THE MASSACRE IN ISRAEL”

The carnage left behind by Hamas’ massacre of Israeli citizens and several from other countries shocked and deeply saddened me as I read hundreds of messages and viewed a few pictures of the slain.

Because the tragic events of October 7, 2023, involve Israel, prophetic implications from what’s happening in the Middle East will reverberate long afterward.

Is it the fulfillment of Psalm 83? Before the tragic events of October 7, 2023, several respected Bible prophecy experts said the Psalm refers to a future attack while other such specialists placed it in the past. Although it’s not clear whether or not all the participants listed in verses 6-8 will join the coming war, the opening verses to the Psalm apply to the plotting of Israel’s current enemies:

O God, do not keep silence;
do not hold your peace or be still, O God!
For behold, your enemies make an uproar;
those who hate you have raised their heads.
They lay crafty plans against your people;
they consult together against your treasured ones.
They say, “Come, let us wipe them out as a nation;
let the name of Israel be remembered no more!”

The terror attack was the result of careful planning with the intent to ultimately eliminate Israel as a nation. As I write, tensions are rising as it appears that Hezbollah in the north and Syria are ready to join the fight against Israel. Should Jordan join the forces rallying against Israel, that would bring in more participants from Psalm 83.

Below are a few observations that I see as they relate to biblical prophecy. [more…]

[ Jonathan Brentner ]

ARTICLE: https://www.jonathanbrentner.com/https/jonathan-brentner-g8fgsquarespacecom/config/2023/10/13/prophetic-implications-of-a-massacre

“PASTOR’S Perspective from ISRAEL”

What can we learn from an American pastor in Israel about the war raging there? Find out with guest Dan Price along with host Tim Moore of the Lamb & Lion Ministries evangelism team as they provide their Prophetic Perspectives

[ Tom Moore interviews Pastor Dan Price ]

INTERVIEW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0KkbcKg0sA

“Pastors’ Point of View (PPOV) no. 278 – Prophecy Update – 11-17-23

Prophecy update. Topics covered: Antisemitism, Gog-Magog, Europe Rising, Surveillance Society

[ Drs. Andy Woods & Jim McGowan ]

COMMENTARY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lgVCF1nkwM

“Everyone Is Lying!”

[ Tom Hughes and Brandon Holthaus ]

INTERVIEW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdqOScp7Iss

“Prophecy Update | November 2023 | Middle East Madness”

Since our last Prophecy Update, things have exploded in the Middle East, and as prophesied in Zechariah 12, Israel is the worldwide epicenter. As we look into the events, narrative, and response to the current Israeli–Palestinian conflict in our November 2023 Prophecy Update, we seek to ground ourselves in God’s Word and the truth as we watch the situation unfold and set up End Times events.

[ Brett Meador ]

PRESENTATION: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tERsF1sFlfo

Israel Update — Dismantling The False Narrative”

This is a deep look into dismantling the false narratives surrounding the ongoing conflict in Israel. In this enlightening video, we’re joined by our special guest, Daniel Karalash, a Harvard extension graduate and a Jewish native originally from Russia. Together, we embark on a journey to uncover the truth behind this horrific enemy of Israel, called Hamas.

Join us as we explore the complex geographical situation of the only Jewish country in the Middle East, a nation surrounded by numerous adversaries. We’ll dissect the challenges and the dangers that come with this important location to the whole world and especially to the believers in Christ.

Additionally, we’ll delve into the reasons why Christians should support Israel and recognize them as the promised people of God. This discussion aims to foster understanding and unity, emphasizing the importance of standing in solidarity with Israel during these trying times.

[ Jim Staley ]

COMMENTARY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHjP8xzBo4g

“Israel Update”

[ Bill Koenig ]

PRESENTATION: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9sfp1pd2zjM

“The latest on Israel and other Bible Prophecy related events”

IDF finds hostage photos on laptops at Shifa Hospital; First signs of possible IDF activity in southern Gaza; Mujahideen Issues France a Final Warning: ‘You Will Pay, Next Time We Will Not Come To Talk’ ; Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium is 22 times above 2015 deal’s limit; Powerful gamma-ray burst induced disturbance in Earth’s ionosphere; Why Republicans Are on the Verge of Fistfights.

[ Barry Stagner ]

COMMENTARY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbngJ0HCfLg&t=488s

“Blessing or Cursing?”

[ Jan Markell interviews Stephen Briggs ]

INTERVIEW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7AndQjaiGg

“Israel: Past, Present, Future”

What are God’s promises to Israel? What are the biblical parameters of the land of Israel and the everlasting covenant God made with Abraham? What does the Bible say about Israel’s future, now in present-day and later during the tribulation? All that and more on today’s episode regarding the land and people of Israel.

[ Jack Hibbs ]

PRESENTATION: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQ9wme0lruY

“Is This The End Of Damascus?”

[ Tom Hughes interviews Britt Gillette ]

INTERVIEW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdvByJQNRt0&t=300s

“Damascus In Danger Of Destruction: Israel Update From IDF!!!”

We have breaking news from Israel. What we’re seeing is ugly and we must stand in support of God’s chosen people! Enough is Enough!

[ James Kaddis ]

COMMENTARY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eeIRrjrc24Q

“Will Israel Soon Fulfill Prophecy And Turn Damascus Into A Pile Of Rubble?”

As soon as Israel sends troops into Gaza, a chain of events will begin which nobody is going to be able to control. I believe that one of those events will be Hezbollah entering the conflict from the north.

As I discussed yesterday, there is no way that Hezbollah is just going to sit there and watch Hamas get systematically wiped out by the IDF. Hezbollah is already mobilizing their forces and making preparations to join the fight. But if that happens, Israel is going to hit back extremely hard. In fact, there are reports that Israel has already warned Hezbollah that if it enters the war the Israelis will “destroy Damascus”… [more…]

[ Prophecy News Watch ]

ARTICLE: https://www.prophecynewswatch.com/article.cfm?recent_news_id=6431

“Broader Conflict on the Horizon?”

On the Global Lane: a much bigger middle east war ahead? Michael Reagan reflects on his father’s life, America’s broken healthcare system, and remembering those who fought to keep us free.

[ CBN News ]

VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RvTt9ORPhY

“Does This Get to Damascus? SITREP 10.11.23”

[ Monkey Werx US ]

COMMENTARY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EU_S5vdbbT4

“WHAT IS COMING AFTER THE GAZA WAR? GOD’S DESCRIPTION OF THE FUTURE DESTRUCTION OF DAMASCUS”

God Predicts The
Destruction of Damascus

For centuries, skeptics who deny God’s Word is reliable and inspired—have pointed to one entire chapter of the Bible that describes an event that has never happened. That event is the prophesied end of the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world.

Jesus Gives Tribulation Survival Guide
As you open with me to Luke 21 we are continuing our Tribulation Survival Guide. Christ’s words to those during the deadliest hours earth has known. Not just one part of His message, verse 28.

Luke 21:28 Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads because your redemption draws near.”

What things would we look for if we could see things that “begin” to happen?

May I suggest one very powerful prophecy that has yet to be fulfilled? There is an amazing chapter in God’s Word that declares the complete destruction of a certain city, an unmistakable city, a clearly identified city named Damascus—that is a reminder of what is coming.

[ John Barnett ]

TEACHING: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=693qlG4kegE

“Is THIS What’s Next?!”

What’s going to happen next? The world is in the grip of massive birth pains as we’ve experienced one global event after another – from the pandemic and rampant inflation to the war in Ukraine and the recent attack on Israel.

[ Britt Gillette ]

COMMENTARY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJnJKvNbCv8

“Whose Land is It Anyway?”

Join Mondo and Graham Keelan as they start a multi-part series on Biblical Zionism. Graham lives near Bristol, England and is an expert on the ways in which England helped establish the modern state of Israel. In this episode they discuss the Biblical foundations for whose land it is that Israel currently resides (and historically). Spoiler alert- technically, it is not Israel’s land.

[ Mondo Gonzalez interviews Graham Keelan ]

INTERVIEW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vCH478pJTg

“They’re LYING About THE LAND??”

Robert Spencer of Jihad Watch joins me to discuss a video put out by Marc Lamont Hill (formally CNN) who argues that the land belongs to the Palestinians, and that Palestine is under the occupation of Israel. But what are the facts? Robert Spencer puts forth his evidence in this video.

[ Jon McCray interviews Robert Spencer ]

INTERVIEW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDs58krKXm0

“Jerusalem – City of Blood”

Join Mondo and Graham Keelan (historian from England) as they discuss the history of the land of Israel. In this segment, they discuss the prophetic judgment that Jesus pronounced on Jerusalem and what it means through history and into the near future.

[ Mondo Gonzalez interviews Graham Keelan ]

INTERVIEW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpEV6Flc14s

“It All Goes Back to Isaac & Ishmael”

Interview with Rabbi Ken Spiro.

[ J-TV ]

INTERVIEW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtGbeNBX9oM

“The Wars And Future Of Israel”

[ AJ Karabin ]

TEACHING: https://rumble.com/v3xv1f9-aj-karabin-the-wars-and-future-of-israel.html

“Does Psalm 83 Describe Israel’s War BEFORE Gog & Magog? Bible Prophecy Update”

On today’s Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck is joined by author Bill Salus of Prophecy Depot Ministries to break down the Bible’s mysterious Psalm 83 passage and whether it describes a future war between Israel and its enemies, led by Iran and its proxies. Some say this passage was already fulfilled in 1967 or 1948. However, Salus believes these events have yet to take place and will transpire before the war of Gog and Magog. Could Psalm 83 set the stage for Gog/Magog showdown as described in the Book of Ezekiel?

[ Erick Stakelbeck interviews Bill Salus ]

INTERVIEW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvatAvvJjRQ

“Ice and Salus on Psalm 83”

Will there be a Psalm 83 end times war between Israel and her neighbors? Find out with guests Dr. Tommy Ice and Bill Salus on television’s “Christ in Prophecy.”

[ Dr. David Reagan ]

INTERVIEW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7xzwbLu5S8

“Decoding Gaza Headlines and the End Times Significance | Marking the End Times”

This week on Marking the End Times, we’re discussing Gaza’s role in biblical prophecy. Surprisingly, the Bible mentions Gaza around 20 times, from its early references in Genesis to its significant prophecies in the Old Testament.

Throughout history, from Abraham’s era to the battles between Israelites and Philistines, Gaza has always been prominent. Stories like Samson’s feats are closely tied to this ancient city. Moreover, prophets like Jeremiah and Zephaniah predicted events for Gaza, some of which seem similar to today’s occurrences.

Zephaniah’s prediction about Gaza’s desolation appears to point to a significant future event called the Day of the Lord, when God might intervene in a major way. While it’s interesting to link current Gaza events to these prophecies, I believe their true significance might be seen in the future.

In the paid subscriber section of the show, you’ll get an exclusive deep dive into the current Israel-Gaza conflict and how it may be setting the stage for the prophesied Gog-Magog war.

Interestingly, current global events, like the discussions between Vladimir Putin and Xi in Beijing, and the geopolitical shifts with Russia, Turkey, and the U.S., mirror the prophetic scriptures in Ezekiel 38 and 39.

[ Mark Hitchcock ]

TEACHING: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgGo0fbmAUE

“The Coming Psalm 83 War Explained”

Bill Salus joins Jimmy Evans on his Tipping Point Show on 11.16.22. They discuss Bill’s book, “Psalm 83 – The Missing Prophecy Revealed”, and discuss the coming Psalm 83 war.

[ Jimmy Evans interviews Bill Salus ]

INTERVIEW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPYtHnoJmlA

“Why Israel Matters”

Interview with pastor Tom Hughes.

[ J.B. Hixson ]

INTERVIEW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X46ZGgTWddA

“All Eyes On Israel – Zechariah 12:2”

[ Philip De Courcy ]

SERMON: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1AKEWJzm0U&t=2s

“God’s Middle East Peace Plan”

Israel at War – Day 33: God’s Unfolding Plan for Peace. In this visit, Sam Rohrer and Bill Salus discuss God’s Peace Plan, The Latest on the Israel War and Prophetical Next Steps.

[ Bill Salus ]

TEACHING: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ED-Fa0r2c8

“God Is Moving The Nations Like A Chess Piece!!!”

Not only is God moving the nation like a carefully orchestrated game of chess, He’s doing it exactly as he said he would and what we’re seeing in the mid east right now is no exception. Everything happening before our eyes is exceptional in every way, and God is at the helm controlling it all!!!

[ James Kaddis ]

COMMENTARY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Di8EY_32ixw

“War in The Holy Land: Hard Questions, Simple Answers (Ep. 109)”

What’s going on in the Middle East is complicated. Why is it important? What’s the history? Why do we need to stand with Israel?

It’s critical to everyone to know what’s happening and how it impacts us. Once we understand God’s plan for Israel, the major events taking place now start to make sense and we can see how religious culture, politics, and Biblical history all align.

Pastor Skip Heitzig joins the #FearlessPodcast to explain this in a simple way that we can all understand.

[ Cissie Graham Lynch interviews Skip Heitzig ]

INTERVIEW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Y9uWqMIabE&t=427s

“How Israel Figures Into the End Times”

Interview with pastor Tom Hughes of “Hope For Our Times.”

[ One American News Network – Allison Steinberg ]

INTERVIEW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hjum9dfVTE

“Is War in Israel a Sign of the End of the Age?”

War in Israel, and particularly the battle for Jerusalem, sends those who know their Bibles to key Bible verses. The re-establishment of Israel in 1948 was a pivotal event in the fulfillment of biblical prophecy.

The prophet Ezekiel, writing over 2,500 years ago, spoke of a future restoration of Israel:

Thus says the Lord GOD: “Surely I will take the children of Israel from among the nations, wherever they have gone, and will gather them from every side and bring them into their own land.” (Ezekiel 37:21)

In 70 AD, Israel was scattered among the nations. The Jews had no homeland for 2,000 years, until 1948, when they became a nation in one day. The prophet Isaiah said:

Shall the earth be made to give birth in one day?
Or shall a nation be born at once? (Isaiah 66:8)

This is what Jesus said of that event:

And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. (Luke 21:24)

Since that time, there has been continual conflict between Muslims and Jews for Jerusalem, and none of the nations know how to handle what is commonly called the ongoing “Middle East crisis.” Look at this prophetic passage from Zechariah, written thousands of years ago, as it addresses the crisis of Jerusalem:

Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of drunkenness to all the surrounding peoples, when they lay siege against Judah and Jerusalem. And it shall happen in that day that I will make Jerusalem a very heavy stone for all peoples; all who would heave it away will surely be cut in pieces, though all nations of the earth are gathered against it. (Zechariah 12:2-3)

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus spoke of wars being a sign of the end of the age:

And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. (Matthew 24:6-7)

All this will climax with the Battle of Armageddon. Revelation 16:16 speaks of the gathering of nations at a place called Armageddon, a term synonymous with a final, cataclysmic battle. Jesus said, “Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near” (Luke 21:28).

“Nothing persuades a sinner that he’s in great danger more than the realization that he has broken the moral Law (the Ten Commandments) and is justly on his way to Hell. Bible prophecy shows the hand of God in Scripture because only He knows the future, and He has declared it from the beginning until the end.”Share on twitterShare on facebook
So, what should we do? Firstly, we should make sure that we are right with God by trusting in the Savior. Secondly, we must pray for the peace of Jerusalem and, at the same time, take the gospel to the unsaved.

The Scriptures tells us how the apostle Paul did just that: “So when they had appointed him a day, many came to him at his lodging, to whom he explained and solemnly testified of the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets, from morning till evening” (Acts 28:23).

Notice how the apostle Paul persuaded men concerning Jesus. His approach was twofold. Firstly, he spoke to them out of the Law of Moses. Nothing persuades a sinner that he’s in great danger more than the realization that he has broken the moral Law (the Ten Commandments) and is justly on his way to Hell. Secondly, Paul spoke to them from prophets. Bible prophecy shows the hand of God in Scripture because only He knows the future, and He has declared it from the beginning until the end. An often overlooked sign of the end times is that the gospel will be preached to all nations. Here are the words of Jesus:

And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. (Matthew 24:14)

Let’s do that. With the help of God, let’s use every moment of our time to reach out to the lost.

[ Ray Comfort ]

“Events of Biblical Proportion”

[ Joel Turner and Amir Tsarfati ]

INTERVIEW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNr-t5nNFfc

“Is Worldwide Jew Hatred Setting The Stage For The Tribulation Period?”

In our current social and political paradigm, people tend to see things two dimensionally – usually to the left or to the right. Of course, as current trends bear witness to, this is causing a great deal of social and political friction, which often spills over into violence. [more…]

[ DEAN DWYER ]

ARTICLE: https://www.prophecynewswatch.com/article.cfm?popular_news_slot=1R

“Israel – The Key to Understanding End Times Prophecy”

[ Mondo Gonzales ]

PRESENTATION: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awQLwd7dV1c

“Ezekiel 38 War: Nations mentioned in the Bible”

John Ankerberg Show: What are the nations that are mentioned in the Bible that will have a role in the end-time scenario of what happens in Israel?

[ John Ankerberg ]

INTERVIEW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eR1kj0PdXHk

“Israel — The Lowdown on the Showdown”

In this program I will be interviewing David Tal for his insights on what is going on in Israel and why. David is a Messianic Israeli with thirty years experience as a tank commander.

[ Lee Brainard ]

TEACHING: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2tsfQYTErU

“Israel & Bible Prophecy”

Jan Markell joins “The Prophecy Pros”—Jeff Kinley and Todd Hampson—to discuss the prophecy-related issues surrounding the current Mideast crisis.

[ Jeff Kinley and Todd Hampson interview Jan Markell ]

INTERVIEW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilKIhxkPKTw

“Israel And The End Times”

A bible study about Israel in the Bible.

[ Steve Whinery ]

PART 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=my_eAk6rTt4

PART 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3eETCervRg

“Turkey Just Threatened Israel! What Does This Mean?”

On today’s episode of Countdown 2 Eternity, Pastor James and monkey will discuss what may be the beginning of a very serious complication in the Middle East. A few days ago, Erdogan, the leader of Turkey, was speaking at the “Great Palestine Rally” in Istanbul and stated, “we can come at any night unexpectedly!” In response, thousands of Turks in attendance started chanting, “Turkish military to Gaza!” What does this all mean? Is it likely that Erdogan’s statement is actionable? Was it an empty threat? If it was, what does it mean for the region? What can we expect next? Does the Bible say anything about this?

[ James Kaddis and Monkey Werx ]

COMMENTARY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EoLDsCJYwV4

“Israel & Turkey Tension Rises”

Today on Marking the End Times, I want to focus on the Israel-Turkey alliance. I start by diving into the significance of Turkey in light of Ezekiel 38 and the Gog Magog war. I also explain how Turkey’s President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, called Israel a “terrorist state.”

[ Mark Hitchcock ]

TEACHING: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRdl1UupdDw

“Magog Rising – Turkey Threatens Intervention In Gaza”

With all eyes on Israel’s immediate foes, such as Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran, and its proxies in Lebanon, Iraq, and Syria, one nation that could present an even bigger challenge is Turkey.

Turkey’s military is one of the largest in the region, on par with both Egypt and Iran, and is considered one of the top 15 militaries in the world, according to most military magazines.

Turkey’s president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, delivered a speech over the weekend at an anti-Israel rally in which he told attendees that Israel was responsible for war crimes and framed Hamas as “freedom fighters.” [ more… ]

[ Prophecy News Watch ]

ARTICLE: https://www.prophecynewswatch.com/article.cfm?recent_news_id=6467

“Turkey’s Important Role in the Ezekiel 38 War”

Dr. John Ankerberg and Guest Dr. Jimmy DeYoung examine modern Russia, the Middle East and Europe in light of the prophecies of Ezekiel 38.

[ John Ankerberg ]

SHOW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKz6Fva8oK4

“What Happens To NATO If Turkey Attacks Israel?”

On this episode of Countdown 2 Eternity, Pastor James and Monkey will discuss what may happen if Turkey actually does what it promises it may do to Israel. What happens if they attack Israel? Do NATO nations have to engage Israel if Israel defends herself? What does this mean overall? Is this the beginning of World War 3? What are be biblical implications of this potentially happening?

[ James Kaddis and Monkey Werx ]

COMMENTARY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vYITn_ZS54

“Israel, God’s People”

What is wrong with many churches who are silent in the wake of the atrocities in Israel? It is their theology! They believe the church is Israel.

[ Jan Markell and Mark Henry ]

COMMENTARY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqFnAIioqjM

“Jews around the world don’t feel safe anymore amid a steep rise in antisemitism”

Jewish organizations, kindergartens and schools around the world are raising their security as hundreds of thousands protest against Israel and antisemitic hate crimes are rising.

Covering news and events impacting Israel & the Middle East for the Evangelical world.

Introducing ALL ISRAEL NEWS, a daily news and commentary site based in Jerusalem that is focused on Israel and the Middle East, providing original reporting, exclusive interviews and expert analysis. ALL ISRAEL NEWS brings together in one place all of the most important events and trends in the region.

The eyes of the world are increasingly riveted on Israel and the Middle East, the Epicenter of momentous events that are shaking our world and shaping our future.

[ Keshet 12 News ]

REPORT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AINpztY24Ik

“These 3 Men Break This Story Wide Open!!!”

What you are about to watch is going to be something that will give you a perspective that may change everything for you! Dare to watch and find out!!!

[ James Kaddis ]

COMMENTARY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jX0c_dH5j5I

“The Ancient Blame Game: Hating Jews Goes Back Further Than The Word Jew”

The Bible repeatedly condemns lying, especially lies meant to harm others. 2 Timothy 3:1-4 talks about humanity becoming “unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous.” Verse one of that chapter says it will get worse as the last days approach.

That’s bad news for the Jewish people because for centuries they have already suffered as the victims of “malicious gossip.” That’s the kind of lying meant to harm or destroy. People blamed Jews for wars and for economic downturns. The losers of wars made Jews their scapegoats — blaming them for selling secrets and other traitorous activities. Anti-capitalists often blame Jews for the rise of capitalism. But just as often, capitalists blame Jews for the rise of socialism.

I could go on and on listing the things they’ve been blamed for, including the Bubonic Plague, earthquakes, floods, and all kinds of natural disasters. Hating Jews goes back further than the word Jew. In ancient times, the Hebrews were hated because they refused to adopt pagan religions or adapt their own beliefs to those of their captors or conquerors. It’s hard to “adapt” belief in the one true God to a belief in a pantheon of gods.

The propensity to blame Jews for all manner of evil led to the Holocaust, but it did not stop there. It is alive and well. For instance, a new UN report blames domestic violence among Palestinians on Israel. They ignore centuries of Muslim teaching that belittles and devalues women, sometimes to the level of livestock. But if a Palestinian man gives his wife what for, they blame Jews.

When people are confronted on video while tearing down posters of Hamas hostages, they usually respond with some form of profanity rather than actual discussion. But when they talk about it, they often say, as one did in New York, that the posters are “making the conflict worse.” These posters feature photos of human beings, all or almost all Jews. So once again, it’s the fault of Jews, even when those Jews are clearly the victims of horrific violence.

One person said that the posters promote genocide. That word is bandied about often. It creates an extreme emotional response to those who say it and believe it. The infamous letter signed by 31 Harvard student associations spoke of, “the ongoing annihilation of Palestinians.”

Let’s look at that. Israel became a nation in 1948. At that time, the Palestinian population was well under a million. It is now well over 5.4 million. In the US, 1948 marks the beginning of the baby boom. That lasted until the mid-1960s. In recent years, America has had a flood of legal and illegal immigration. But with all that growth from without and within, the US population is only about 2 ½ times what it was in 1948. The Palestinian population has grown at twice that rate. Their population is five times larger now than then. It has shown steady growth the entire time. How can anyone say Palestinians have experienced “genocide” or “annihilation”?

In this case, they are blaming Jews for something that never happened. But once an accusatory word against Jews enters the thinking of their haters, it is almost impossible to get it out.

Naturally, they blame the Jewish state of Israel for the current situation in Gaza. That can be answered well with the words of the new Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson. To those calling for a ceasefire, he said, “There was a ceasefire before October 7, and Hamas broke it.”

The present situation in Gaza is heartbreaking and hard to watch. But to blame it on Israel is to blame the victim for fighting back.

[ Hal Lindsey ]

“Israel: The Epicenter of Spiritual Warfare”

We can learn a lot about our current circumstances by observing what’s happening in Jerusalem and the area surrounding it. In this sermon, Pastor Allen Jackson discusses the importance of Israel, the spiritual conflict surrounding the Holy Land, and how the promises God made to the Jewish people apply to Christ-followers today. He offers encouraging explanations about the promises of God, the blessings of God, and the judgment of God—we need all three components to understand God’s character, His sovereignty, His love for us, and our role in His Kingdom.

[ Allen Jackson ]

SERMON: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPMwEUr_lgc

“SPIRITUAL BATTLE”

had a friend who would say: “The real battle is in prayer. The rest is just a mopping up operation”. When we take a step back and remember the greatness of our God, we better grasp the fact that the victory is in God’s hands, in the end. He is over all global events. When we pray to Him, we are wielding weapons in a spiritual battle that can change the world.

For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. (2 Corinthians 10:4)

THE WAR ROOM OF REES HOWELLS
Good intercessors are those who know their God and take Him at His word. Rees Howells was such a man. He led many in prayerful determination to see the world reached with the Gospel during a time of huge international upheaval in World War II, and provides a great example for us today. [more…]

[ One For Israel ]

ARTICLE: https://www.oneforisrael.org/bible-based-teaching-from-israel/spiritual-battle/

“Spiritual War Against Israel”

Spiritual War: the Root of all Aggression against Israel

Yes – there is a root cause, a single principal cause of all aggression against Israel. And it is not political or ideological. Each time it is a spiritual war. According to the Bible, the nations will be in virtually continuous conflict with the State of Israel until Christ returns, and future Middle East war against Israel is certain. In fact, aligning prophecies in Ezekiel with the present world scene, the world is on the brink of another major Middle East war against Israel. This is the so-called Gog-Magog war described by the prophet Ezekiel. But why? What is the real reason for yet another war? Revelation 12 makes it clear that the underlying problem is spiritual, not political: the conflict is between Israel, God’s servant, and Satanic powers:

the dragon (Satan) persecuted the woman (Israel) who gave birth to the male Child (Jesus) … the dragon was enraged with the woman, and went off to make war with the rest of her children
(Rev 12.13,17)

This key text identifies Israel’s conflicts with the spiritual entity Satan. It clearly states how Satan hates Israel and all those who are blessed through her i.e. believers in Christ. According to the Bible, Israel is God’s chosen witness and servant in the world, and through Israel came the Messiah, Jesus Christ (Isa 43.10, Gen 22.18, Gal 3.16). So Satan hates the witness (Jews), and all who follow Christ (Christians). The Gentile nations and their armies are merely pawns in the hands of Satanic powers! Each time nations move against Israel, as in UN resolutions against Israel, it is a sign of this underlying spiritual war. Even Israel will be deceived into accepting a false peace treaty (Isa 28.15-18). [more…]

[ Facts About Israel ]

ARTICLE: https://www.factsaboutisrael.uk/spiritual-war-against-israel/

“Spiritual Attacks, Israel and Global Anti-Semitism”

Join us as we dive deep into the realms of spiritual warfare, prophecy, and navigating the complexities of the last days with renowned author and expert, Rick. In this enlightening discussion, we explore topics such as the rise of anti-Semitism, putting on the full armor of God, and overcoming fear through the power of the Word.

[ Jimmy Evans interviews Rick Renner ]

INTERVIEW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOwyybIVRok

“War In Israel Is Intensifying! This Is Good Vs. Evil!!!”

On this Episode of countdown 2 eternity, pastor James and monkey will discuss breaking news in Israel. What does it all mean? What’s next? What do we need to know about this? We’ll also get a brief update from people on the ground.

[ James Kaddis and Monkey Werx ]

COMMENTARY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UB0ySrOczI4

“Is This Israel’s Point of No Return?”

[ Tom Hughes interviews Bill Salus ]

INTERVIEW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAL5CbSNYOM

“The West Fails Israel, Israel Fails Israel, and…”

On an October 17, 2023 episode of Stand Up for the Truth, JB Hixson and Mary Danielsen sort out the Israel intel failure, and how the collapse of the West truly reverberates around the world. Also, a list of the main categories that point to the fulfillment of all things. The players are on stage, Jesus will set it all into motion. Every possible category of Biblical prophesied events is a subject unto itself, and Christians remain in the dark about so much of it.

[ JB Hixson ]

PODCAST: https://notbyworks.podbean.com/e/the-west-fails-israel-israel-fails-israel-and-how-the-story-ends-stand-up-for-the-truth/

“The World Against Israel”

[ Tom Hughes interviews Dr. Andy Woods ]

INTERVIEW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9aHW08ICCc

“WAR in ISRAEL!”

Is Israel’s war with Hamas a prophetic end times war? Find out with hosts Tim Moore and Nathan Jones on the television program, Christ in Prophecy!

[ Tim Moore & Nathan Jones ]

COMMENTARY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfckXMU1WhE

“THIS is Coming Next… Be Prepared!”

In the aftermath of the horrific attacks on innocent Israeli citizens, what is going to happen next? What are the most probable events?

One of those events is almost certain to happen, and we need to start preparing ourselves for the spiritual battle right now.

[ Britt Gillette ]

COMMENTARY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5C8t5HdHJsc

“Israel at War! Are We in the End Times?”

Sam Rohrer of Stand in the Gap invited Bill Salus to give a “Big Picture” overview of the 12-stage End Times Biblical Timeline. Bill explains that we are nearing the end of stage 1, the Church Age, and goes on to list the remaining stages of the end times. Other topics covered in this interview are: The dangers of Replacement Theology and the undeniable proofs that these are indeed the last days.

[ Sam Rohrer interviews Bill Salus ]

INTERVIEW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLb4X7crIls

“The World Will Never Be The Same As The War Rages On!!!”

The war in Israel is gearing up substantially and the world is rapidly changing as a result. Everything we’re seeing has biblical implications and more than ever we need to find biblical solutions. Today we’ll update you with what’s going on around us and in Israel, and we’ll connect the dots in hopes that you’ll better be able to see real evidence that Bible prophecy is coming to life!!!

[ James Kaddis and David Tal ]

COMMENTARY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCLJGiHPEFA&t=1031s

“The Silence of the Shepherds”

Jan Markell talks to Pastor Billy Crone. At such a monumental time in history, why are so many of our churches silent on the Mideast conflict which is setting the stage for a peace treaty in Israel found in Daniel? They also discuss a new post-human species 2.0 that will transcend the human race, now pursued by the globalists.

[ Jan Markell interviews Billy Crone ]

INTERVIEW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ru4cuuTjWWo

“Former Muslim & AI Engineer PROVES Bible Prophecy is Coming True!”

This week on the Tipping Point Show, I’m joined by a special guest, Dr. Hormoz Shariat, the founder of Iran Alive Ministries. Dr. Shariat is often referred to as the “Billy Graham of Iran.” You’ll be amazed (as I was) at his life-altering journey from Islam to Christianity.

Dr. Shariat shares powerful stories of healing, transformation, and revival in Iran. In this episode, we also talk about the world of AI with an artificial intelligence expert and its potential implications in today’s world.

We have a deep and meaningful discussion about the true power of the gospel and its ability to inspire faith and healing.

You’ll discover how faith is spreading in unexpected ways, even in a challenging political climate, and you’ll gain insights into the dynamics of Iran’s relationship with Israel and the Jews.

[ Dr. Hormoz Shariat ]

INTERVIEW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qB96PQa-7M

“The Common Story About Gaza And Israel Is A Delusion!!!”

The use of the word delusion is generous when examining the common story given by many in the mainstream media concerning Gaza, Israel, and the Middle East. The only way to correct such delusions is to tell the real story accurately and effectively. That is precisely what we aim to do in this video!!!

[ James Kaddis ]

COMMENTARY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsBg_zNzFKE

“THE CURRENT GAZA/PALESTINE CONFLICT–IS THE PRELUDE TO THE GLOBAL RULER CALLED ANTICHRIST”

THE MIRACLE OF ISRAEL: GOD’S HOLY LAND

Have you ever noticed that the whole Bible is framed by the People of God known as Israel?

– Genesis to Deuteronomy declares God chooses them as His People.
– Joshua through Esther declares God Gives them His Land
– Psalms through Malachi declares God Promises them His Future Plans
– Matthew through Jude declares God Uses them as His Ambassadors
– Revelation declares God Finishes His Plans for them!

There are all 66 books of God’s Word in one framework- ISRAEL!
During the last few centuries, the world, Christians included, has fallen into a bad habit. We have bought into some early Roman propaganda.

We have used the name Palestine, which Roman Emperor Hadrian placed on the country of Israel in 135 A.D., for so long that it has become common usage. This would be as incorrect as calling the Russia of today the “Soviet Union” or referring to Berlin as “East Germany.”
History of the Term Palestine

Where did the term Palestine originate from? How did the world and the church get into the habit of calling the land of Israel “Palestine”? One who has done considerable research on this subject informs us that before 135 A.D., the Romans used the terms Judea and Galilee to refer to the Land of Israel.

When Titus destroyed Jerusalem in 70 A.D., the Roman government struck a coin with the phrase “Judea Capta,” meaning Judea had been captured. The term Palestine was never used in the early Roman designations.

[ John Barnett ]

TEACHING: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bBdkfxEMY4

“This Is Shocking And Reprehensible!!!”

When you stop to examine what the real issues are in Gaza, you’ll be shocked to find out what is really happening amongst the leaders of Hamas, Gaza’s so-called governing agency. These people are evil and hypocritical at best. What you see in the video is eye opening and shocking to say the least!!!

[ James Kaddis ]

COMMENTARY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTpN3KenQg8

“This Is The Missing Information On The War In Gaza!!!”

It’s completely insane how many so-called Middle East experts are coming out of the woodwork since this evil has been done to Israel. They all have this in common. They don’t understand this simple fact about the Middle East and it completely distorts their perspective on the reality of what’s really happening. This is what they don’t know but you should know!!!

[ James Kaddis ]

COMMENTARY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5Eq2SnDI1U

“This Is The Real Issue That Caused The Attack In Israel!!!”

The Lies continue all over the world about what happened in Israel and the propagandist machine is running full steam ahead! More than ever we must tell the truth and God’s word gives the moral clarity to understand that and discern through the lies. With that in mind, This is the real cause of what we are seeing in Israel!

[ James Kaddis ]

COMMENTARY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWJpRptHmno

“Israel: What’s Next?”

The Bible says that in the Last Days, Israel will become the focal point of attention for the world. Is the conflict we’re witnessing in today’s news the prelude for bigger things to come?

[ Jack Hibbs ]

Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=beSxWBAZ8Ic

“Israel: What’s Next?”

[ Jack Hibbs ]

SERMON: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HaiTe5yT2Vk

“What Israel is About to Do Will Shock the World!”

Janie DuVall reached out to Bill Salus as her go-to source for information related to the prophetically biblical implications of the attack on Israel that started on October 7, 2023. During their conversation, Bill reminded Janie that she was the one who suggested the title for his book: Psalm 83, The Missing Prophecy Revealed.

[ Janie DuVall interviews Bill Salus ]

INTERVIEW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Kd4WQreKuQ

“Is This The Beginning of WW3?”

Today I’m joined by Michele Bachmann, a former United States Congresswoman, and we’re discussing the current situation in Israel. She’s diving deep into her firsthand knowledge of the state of Israel, as well as her understanding of the geopolitical landscape in the Middle East.

[ Jimmy Evans interrviews Michelle Bachmann ]

INTERVIEW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZx1xKrP704

“God’s Promises for the World and for Israel”

Believing God’s Promises
The Bible is full of God’s promises that can encourage us in our faith. After all, faith and hope are dependent on promises – something that we expect, look forward to. A promise is an anchor. If we can trust a promise that we have been given, it will become life-giving. A hopeful expectancy can fill one with joy and motivation.

We know we can trust the promises of God. He is not a man, that He would lie (Numbers 23:19). And that in all cases, the words of the Lord stand true, though every man be a liar. (Romans 3:4). When we trust God’s promises, we know that:

“Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (Romans. 5:5).

What does God promise us?
The word “promise” can equate to a declaration or commitment. It was binding in Biblical times. And still today, it can be legally binding in certain cultures. According to the English dictionary, a promise gives the receiver of a promise a right to expect or to claim the performance or forbearance of a specified act.

Making a promise gives ground for expectation of success, improvement, or excellence. It is an assurance. Unsurprisingly, it gives hope, builds faith, and encourages optimism. [more…]

[ BY FIRM STAFF ]

ARTICLE : https://firmisrael.org/learn/the-promises-of-god-for-the-world-and-for-israel/

“Watch Carefully: Israel is Trying to Tell Us Something”

Why Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince, Donald Trump, Hamas, Palestine and Israel are all massively invested in Jerusalem. But which of these will finally bring peace to this historic city?

[ Off The Curb Ministries ]

COMMENTARY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ickBvjC45Bk

“The TRUTH About The War & Islam They’re Hiding”

Break through the algorithm by using my link https://ground.news/whaddoyoumeme to compare coverage and avoid misleading media narratives.

I was joined by Robert Spencer to discuss why believes that this is a religious war, being fought for political reasons. We uncover some important truths that people don’t seem to realize.

[ Jon McCray interviews Robert Spencer ]

INTERVIEW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxIxTek9vw0

“Hope and Unity in dark days – Pod for Israel War update”

Dr. Erez Soref and Dr. Golan Broshi share about the amazing unity of Israel banding together to aid the displaced from the south and our soldiers in Israel. You can join us in this historic effort!

[ One For Israel ]

TEACHING: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lcFkYjJF70

“Israel ranks among 10 most powerful countries in annual list; 4th strongest military”

US News & World Report finds Israeli military behind only US, China Russia; country is world’s 6th most politically influential and 10th strongest power; but ranks only 37th ‘best’.

2 January 2023, 3:15 pm

Israel is one of the 10 most powerful, politically influential, and militarily strong countries in the world, according to a roundup for 2022 published by US News & World Report.

The outlet also found that the Jewish state has among the strongest international alliances.

Overall, Israel ranked 37th “best” country in the world out of 85 on the yearly list, now in its seventh year.

Among countries considered most powerful because they “consistently dominate news headlines, preoccupy policymakers and shape global economic patterns,” US News & World Report put Israel in tenth place. Top of the list was the United States, followed by China and then Russia.

These are countries whose “foreign policies and military budgets are tracked religiously. When they make a pledge, at least some in the international community trust they will keep it. These countries project their influence on the world stage,” the outlet said.

By signing up, you agree to the terms
Israel was tenth in the ranking for countries that have the “Strongest International Alliances,” as viewed by global survey respondents.

Israel’s highest ranking was for its military, which was placed fourth, behind Russia, the US, and China.

As for political influence, Israel was put in sixth place, just behind Germany and ahead of France.

US News & World Report described Israel as “the only Jewish nation in the world” and “a small country on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea.”

“For its relatively small size, the country has played a large role in global affairs,” it said. “The country has a strong economy, landmarks of significance to several religions, and strained relationships with many of its Arab neighbors.”

US News & World Report said that the rankings were based on a model developed together with BAV Group and the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. A set of 73 attributes for countries were presented in a survey that sampled 17,000 people between April 30 and July 13, 2022.

The top three countries overall were Switzerland, Germany, and Canada. The US was in fourth place, followed by Sweden, Japan, Australia, the UK, France, and Denmark to make up the top ten.

[ The Times of Israel ]

“God’s Hand on Israel”

Throughout its modern history, Israel has been blessed with the protection and provision of God. We are strong and resilient, holding on to the promise that God gave to Israel: “I will bring back the captives of My people, Israel.”

[ Amir Tsarfati ]

TEACHING: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PxA-ADfFkgg

“Israel and the Tribulation”

God disciplines those He loves. For the nation of Israel, this time of correction is called Jacob’s Trouble, or the Tribulation. In Israel and the Tribulation, Amir Tsarfati looks at Israel’s rebellion against God before the period of correction begins, the peace and the horror the nation will experience during that time, and the spiritual restoration that will take place when the seven years conclude. Israel abandoned the relationship that God loved for religion which He hates. It is the remnant that survives the Tribulation who will return once again to the relationship the Lord wants.

[ Amir Tsarfati ]

TEACHING: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gA73gZb6IQ

“The Ezekiel 38 Coalition”

Ezekiel 38 predicts a coalition of nations led by Gog, the prince of Rosh (Russia), Persia (Iran), Ethiopia, Libya, Gomer (Turkey), and many others, that will invade Israel. However, God will intervene in a supernatural way to defeat them, making it clear that He is running the show.

[ Amir Tsarfati ]

TEACHING: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcj88Akc2j8

“Israel in the Tribulation”

The article says the world is coming to an end. That is a valid assumption. Everything does, sometime. Nothing lasts forever. How soon the end? And this, it says “probably in about five billion years.” That is the assumption of “The End of the World,” which is a show that has opened under the great dome of the Hayden Planetarium in New York. This was put together by a man named Mark Chartrand, who is the planetarium astronomer. He says, “The most probable estimate is that in five billion years, the sun will poop out from old age, expand into a giant star, and engulf Mercury and Venus and send out enough heat to melt lead on earth, which also would melt the spirit of man, cockroach, and germ.”

Then he says there is another alternative to the end of the world. The moon will fall. Don’t knock this notion. The moon right now is getting farther away. But he says, “For reasons known only to God, Isaac Newton and Orson Wells” – that’s pretty funny, really – “in about 200 billion years, the moon will have reached as far as it can go and it will start back very fast. Then watch out.” So either the world is going to exist until five billion years when the sun poops out or 200 billion when the rubber band holding the moon reaches its – reaches its limit and it springs back and collides with the earth.

Well, I’ll tell you something, friends. The Bible has something to say that makes those kind of comments idiocy. The world is not going to come to an end five billion years from now because the sun gets old or 200 billion years from now because the moon comes back and collides. The world is going to come to an end because Jesus Christ is going to return – literally. We believe that. And we’ve been studying that in our series on prophecy. This tonight will be really what is the tenth message in our prophetic series. And the title of it is “Israel in the Tribulation.” [more…]

[ John MacArthur ]

ARTICLE: https://www.gty.org/library/sermons-library/1329/israel-in-the-tribulation

“The Jews, Jerusalem and the Temple Mount”

[ Tom Hughes interviews Don Stewart ]

INTERVIEW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=trYI6esf8XY

“The Real Story About Israel, Gaza, Arabs, And Jews!!!”

It is amazing to see how much bad information is being communicated concerning what many call the ongoing Arab / Israeli conflict. As the Lies continue to be told, It motivates people to believe and support evil actions and the only way to combat all of this is by telling the truth. Get ready because what you’re about to witness will change you forever!!!

[ James Kaddis ]

COMMENTARY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0R7tG1gwAc

“Israel’s Second War for Independence”

This week on Marking the End Times, I discuss the current war and coming peace in the Middle East. I spend this time focusing on the Israel-Gaza war, the conflict with Hezbollah and the goal of peace. I also share some recent articles about the coming peace.

[ Mark Hitchcock ]

COMMENTARY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wq6uBKAXaJE

“Discussing Modern Israel”

The Week in Bible Prophecy is a podcast ministry outreach of Prophecy Watchers. Make sure to find our other content on that channel and subscribe to both.

[ Gary Stearman and Mondo Gonzalez ]

COMMENTARY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6KHCCTlyIk

“Israel’s Identity Crisis”

[ Gary Stearman and Mondo Gonzalez ]

COMMENTARY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2wrMKxy__k

“Does Attack On Israel Accelerate Building Of The Temple?”

Mondo had the pleasure of being interviewed by Tom Hughes @HopeForOurTimes. They discussed recent events in Israel and if they will speed up the process of the third temple being built.

[ Tom Hughes and Mondo Gonzales ]

INTERVIEW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0gep1hA8KM

“This Interview May Change Your Mind About War In Israel!!!”

This video is very important to me. Why? What you are are about to watch may be one of the most powerful and significant conversations about the war in Israel. It extends far beyond that subject and I promise that it directly affects you!!! I speak to Dr. Gadi Taub who is a very important part of Israeli life and culture in
Israel today.

[ James Kaddis interviews Dr. Gadi Taub ]

INTERVIEW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6tPSNo8J1k

“This Brilliant Palestinian Is About To Shake Some People Up!!!”

Join me as I talk to one of my dearest friends and brothers who like me, is of middle eastern descent and what he says is important, enlightening, and encouraging. You don’t want to miss this dialogue because what you walk away with will bless you!!!

[ James Kaddis ]

INTERVIEW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSKqUQdhaVI

“Jerusalem & The Origins Of Islam’s End Times Theology”

Michael Wilkerson join Eric Metaxas to reveal the spiritual battle taking place in the Middle East, Jerusalem’s importance for Jews, Christians and Muslims and how radicalized religion is fueling antisemitism around the globe.

[ Eric Metaxas interviews Michael Wilkerson ]

INTERVIEW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaX51RuDXlA

“Olivier and Dr. Andy Woods connect some dots on End-Times Prophecy, the Bible, and current events”

[ Olivier Melnick interviews Dr. Andy Woods ]

INTERVIEW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmgUP1aG3eM

“The Convergence Of Iran, Russia & END TIMES Theology”

On The Rosenberg Report, host Joel Rosenberg joins Glenn Beck to discuss Alexander Dugin, an advisor to Russian President Valdimir Putin, and Dugin’s dangerous end times philosophy. Rosenberg also discusses U.S. President Joe Biden’s determination to buy off the Iranian regime, Bahrain’s condemnation of Hamas, and the Rev. Franklin Graham’s visit to Israel

[ Glenn Beck interviews Joel Rosenberg ]

INTERVIEW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kxy7Ty3RiMo

From Birth Pangs to Second Coming”

This week on the Tipping Point Show, I have a very important message for you about the increasing end times birth pangs.

I am also joined by our new Israel Correspondent, Brian Schrauger. He will be addressing questions about the ongoing war in Israel and providing insightful updates.

[ Jimmy Evans and Brian Schrauger ]

COMMENTARY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbUhvfTxIrQ

“America will turn its back on Israel”

[ David Jeremiah ]

SERMON: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxiL7rNuKIc

“The Antichrist, Four Horsemen & Israel’s Role in Tribulation”

This week on the Tipping Point show, I am joined by my friend and fellow endtimes contributor, Dr. Mark Hitchcock. This week, we continue to discuss the war in Israel as we talk through popular news articles.

[ Jimmy Evans and Dr. Mark Hitchcock ]

COMMENTARY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIV34d1zZf0

“The Two-Minute Warning”

Jan Markell hosts Dr. Mark Hitchcock, Olivier Melnick, and Trevor Rubenstein. Hitchcock feels the world has been given a two-minute warning as the final clock ticks down. War is expanding in the Mideast. The key to the clock is the Jewish people. Israel is the burdensome stone to the world and church. There will be a clamoring for a peace treaty.

[ Jan Markell interviews Dr. Mark Hitchcock, Olivier Melnick, and Trevor Rubenstein ]

INTERVIEW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGFklHxJzpE

“Has God Cancelled His Promises to Israel?”

[ John MacArthur ]

PART 1: https://www.gty.org/library/sermons-library/45-82/has-god-cancelled-his-promises-to-israel-part-1

PART 2:https://www.gty.org/library/sermons-library/45-83/has-god-cancelled-his-promises-to-israel–part-2

PART 3: https://www.gty.org/library/sermons-library/45-84/has-god-cancelled-his-promises-to-israel–part-3

PART 4: https://www.gty.org/library/sermons-library/45-85/has-god-cancelled-his-promises-to-israel–part-4

PART 5: https://www.gty.org/library/sermons-library/45-86/has-god-cancelled-his-promises-to-israel–part-5

PART 6: https://www.gty.org/library/sermons-library/45-87/has-god-cancelled-his-promises-to-israel–part-6

PART 7: https://www.gty.org/library/sermons-library/45-88/has-god-cancelled-his-promises-to-israel–part-7

“Is an increasingly isolated Israel a prophetic sign?”

What changing opinions and alliances indicate about the ‘signs of the times’

Given the strong support for Israel shown by leaders of the United States and several European countries immediately after the horrific attacks on Israel by Hamas on Oct. 7, one might be forgiven for being surprised at the dramatic loss of support Israel is currently experiencing around the world.

A question for many believers is whether the lack of global support and even widespread antagonism towards Israel at this time is prophetically significant.

With many believers questioning if Israel is currently in a Psalm 83-type war, or possibly even in the lead-up to the fulfillment of the prophecy of Ezekiel 38, it would be helpful to look at some of the recent events in order to understand the “signs of the times.”

There are several significant biblical passages that help to identify trends in world affairs that have prophetic significance. [more…]

[ J. Micah Hancock ]

ARTICLE: https://allisrael.com/is-an-increasingly-isolated-israel-a-prophetic-sign?

“How Israel is Fulfilling End-Time Bible Prophecy EXPLAINED”

Do you want to know what role Israel will play in end-time prophecy? What signs are going on in the world right now that are fulfilling end-time prophecy concerning the nation of Israel? Will there be a third temple built soon? Tune in for these and other questions surrounding Israel and end-time Bible prophecy!

[ Allen Parr interviews Amir Tsarfati: ]

INTERVIEW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UqUDj_sm1Q

“JESUS WARNS MOST ABOUT–END OF DAYS DECEPTION”

The lesson Jesus gave them and us is that when you are trying to understand the plan of God for the future, don’t listen to people who misrepresent God’s Word and try to deceive people into things God has not said. Whether it is the occultic-induced words of the 16th Century mystic Nostradamus or the misguided predictions of the 21st Century Harold Camping. Avoid anyone who twists, distorts, or goes against the clear plan of God written down in His Word.

Jesus said also especially beware of those who claim to be Christ. There have been many false Christs over the centuries. Even in modern times from Sung Myung Moon who founded the Moonies, to David Koresh of the 1993 Branch Davidians: we have many who claim to be the Messiah or the Christ.

For a moment look at v. 24 and let me explain what many of us haven’t really thought about the connection of Islam with the events of the Tribulation. Jesus said there will always be false prophets, and we clearly think of Hinduism as false, and Buddhism as false. But in recent times, so-called Christian voices are saying that Islam is actually not false because they believe in the same God as we do, and even believe in Jesus.

[ John Barnett ]

PRESENTATION: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDxKCZaNbDk

“A Sign the END TIMES Are Upon Us…”

Jesus and the prophets said to look for certain signs which will precede the Tribulation period and the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. And Jesus said these signs will appear with greater frequency and intensity as we approach the end.

Today, we’re going to look at a couple of news stories which indicate the times in which we live. I believe they point out just how close we are to the end times prophesied in the Bible.

[ Britt Gillette ]

TEACHING: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNhkAlpDq4c

“Adrian Rogers: How to Live in the Last Days”

As children of God, we cannot afford to be ignorant of the dynamic days in which we’re living. In this message, Adrian Rogers gives clear instruction to those living in the last days.

[ Adrian Rogers ]

SERMON: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCIKnidgs_Y

“Are We Living In The End Times?: What Does The Bible Mean By The End Times?”

Today as we begin a new series titled “Are We Living In The End Times?” we will discover biblical answers to six pressing questions about the end times.

[ Robert Jeffress ]

SERMON: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlJdA1OhSCo&t=2147s

“On the Brink of the End”

[ Tom Hughes ]

COMMENTARY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkyTmJSjliY

“The Antichrist, Four Horsemen & Israel’s Role in Tribulation”

This week on the Tipping Point show, I am joined by my friend and fellow end times contributor, Dr. Mark Hitchcock. This week, we continue to discuss the war in Israel as we talk through popular news articles.

[ Jimmy Evans and Dr. Mark Hitchcock ]

COMMENTARY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIV34d1zZf0

“50 Reasons Why we are living in the end times.”

The Bible says we cannot know the time of the Lord’s return (Matthew 25:13). But the Scriptures make it equally clear that we can know the season of the Lord’s return (1 Thessalonians 5:2-6):

“You yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night… But you brethren, are not in darkness, that the day should overtake you like a thief; for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night or darkness; so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober.”
This passage asserts that Jesus is coming like “a thief in the night.” But then it proceeds to make it clear that this will be true only for the pagan world and not for believers. His return should be no surprise to those who know Him and His Word, for they have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit to give them understanding of the nature of the times.

Furthermore, the Scriptures give us signs to watch for — signs that will signal that Jesus is ready to return. The writer of the Hebrew letter referred to these signs when he proclaimed that believers should encourage one another when they see the day of judgment drawing near (Hebrews 10:25-27). Jesus also referred to the end time signs in His Olivet Discourse, given during the last week of His life (Matthew 24 and Luke 21). Speaking of a whole series of signs which He had given to His disciples, He said, “When you see all these things, recognize that He [the Son of Man — that is, Jesus] is near, right at the door” (Matthew 24:33). [more…]

[ Dr. David Reagan ]

ARTICLE: https://christinprophecy.org/articles/50-reasons/

VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRL83VxZTSI

“Setting the Stage for Gog of Magog (Ezekiel 38 & 39)”

Is the current conflict in Israel setting the stage for the Gog of Magog war outlined in Ezekiel 38 and 39? I believe so.

[ Britt Gillette ]

COMMENTARY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdRmwGoS5y0

“Nation Against Nation!!! It’s Happening Now!!!”

Jesus told us of things that would be happening as we lead into the time of His second coming! It’s uncanny how accurate the Bible has been thus so far and what we are witnessing today is no exception! We need to gear up and be prepared! Watch and be sober!!!

[ James Kaddis ]

COMMENTARY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QX6eaiSkJS4

“Is ARMAGEDDON Closer Than Ever?”

On The Rosenberg Report, host Joel Rosenberg breaks down Putin’s invasion of Ukraine and threats of invading Poland and using nuclear weapons. Special guest and former Deputy Prime Minister of Israel Natan Sharansky joins the show to give insight into what Putin’s inner military campaigns are really after. Is Bible prophecy unfolding before our eyes?

[ Joel Rosenberg ]

COMMENTARY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGglHo1l2hc

“GOG & MAGOG–THE FINAL WAR & THE END OF HUMAN HISTORY ACCORDING TO JESUS”

Jesus explained world events would be tied to Jerusalem in Matthew 24, where Jesus also saw a Jewish Temple rebuilt and part of the Tribulation events.

So, for this Temple to be built (that Paul, John, and Daniel also saw prophetically, with Christ), something must happen during the “times of the Gentiles” (Luke 21:24). That may be what we are seeing happening all around us in the world events touching upon the Nation of Israel.

Are we Living for Heaven Today?

As He taught on the End of Days, Jesus revealed that all of the magnificent buildings of Herod would become rubble. . . and that nothing on earth ever lasts; but Jesus came to His disciples with an offer of something they could become a part of that never ends.

Open to Luke 21:36 with me to see Christ’s application on prophecy, this is before we even look at our study tonight.

“Watch therefore, and pray always…” (Luke 21:36)

Pray is the word for beg, implore and beseech, it is an intense word! It was used after the chapter filled with prophecy and end times. Jesus was asking us:

What are you intensely asking (begging) God to be doing through your life that will last forever? That is what should most be on our hearts as we study a prophecy. Not whether our view is perfect and every detail is what will happen, it is whether we are living for what really matters!

One of our challenges as students of the Bible is to study & search the Scriptures, seek to come to Biblical conclusions, and then wait.

We are called to do what the Lord left us to do, and not to spend all of our time speculating about what every possible news event has to do with the prophecies.

God is watching over His Word, He will perform it, and we are to be found faithfully doing what He left us to do!

Turn with me to Psalm 83. Tonight we start with the Confederacy of Hate, a group of nations that seek Israel, but that never existed contemporaneously, ever in history. Yet God’s Word says they together seek to destroy Israel and end up like whirling dust.

[ John Barnett ]

TEACHING: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7EuwPyUOyU

“Timing Gog and Magog”

When will the Ezekiel 38-39 war be fulfilled?

Introduction
“If biblical prophecy teaches us anything, it is that God is in complete control of human history and its culmination.”1

That quote by Dr. Ron Rhodes highlights one of the greatest benefits of studying God’s prophetic word—fulfilled Bible prophecy provides an indisputable apologetic for the existence of God. “For prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:21 NKJV). Intertwined with that apologetic is an evangelistic message that effectively proclaims the triune God of the Bible alone stands apart the one true God, and only as revealed in Scriptures.

While Bible prophecy constitutes a whopping 27% of the Bible, God’s overall plan for the ages appears to be rather like a 100 piece puzzle, and so far, He has only provided 75 pieces. One can definitely make out the outline of a picture, but until certain events unfold, which then adds another new piece to the puzzle, the picture remains incomplete.

These absent proverbial puzzle pieces have been a stumbling block for the apologist wielding Bible prophecy as an evangelistic tool and those to whom they are witnessing, causing both to not properly see the big picture of God’s redemptive plan for mankind. And so, to use Bible prophecy as an effective apologetic in one’s evangelistic efforts, the student of the Bible must dive into the complete Word and utilize that one dirty word so missing in much of today’s “newspaper exegesis” so unfortunately equated with the field of Eschatology—study. The proclaimer of God’s Word must be able to study a particular biblical prophecy, and much like a diamond, carefully examine the many glistening facets in order to discern exactly what revelations the Bible desires to impart.

One such “incomplete” prophecy can be found in Ezekiel chapters 38-39 which concerns what is called the Gog-Magog Battle or the War of Gog and Magog. At first read, as one theologian so colorfully commented, the book of Ezekiel can appear as if a “perplexing maze of incoherent visions—a kaleidoscope of whirling wheels and dry bones that defy interpretation,” causing readers to “shy away from studying the book and to miss one of the great literary and spiritual portions of the Old Testament.”2 And, he would be right. [more…]

[ Nathan E. Jones ]

ARTICLE: https://christinprophecy.org/articles/timing-gog-magog/

“UNDERSTAND THE END TIMES–BY GOD’S UNBREAKABLE COVENANT WITH THE NATION OF ISRAEL”

THE MIRACLE OF ISRAEL & GOD’S UNBREAKABLE PROMISE TO ABRAHAM: HOW TO UNDERSTAND THE END TIMES

Triumphant living in the 21st century involves cultivating a growing sense of what God is doing in this world.

Israel is the center of the earth and the universe from God’s perspective. Even directions in the Bible speak of this orientation God has. And so, what happens to ISRAEL has been ordained by God, and we need to be careful to understand the past dealings of God with the Jews to realize in the future that He is still at work!

First, we must see that God has chosen the Jews as His People, and God has Chosen the Land of Canaan (not Palestine) as His Land and God has Chosen the Destiny of the Nation of Israel as His Destined Plan for His Destined People. The Jews, the Land of Israel, and the Nation of Israel are God’s Chosen People of Destiny.

Modern Israel only occupies about one-sixth of 1 percent of the land area, which the Arabs possess. The 788 million hostile Arabs around them dwarf Israel’s nearly 6 million people. The Arab Nations have the oil, the wealth, and the worldwide influence that such seemingly inexhaustible resources command. Israel’s postage-stamp piece of land is scarcely discernible on a world map, and it lacks all the essentials to make it the center of worldwide concern. Yet, In defiance of all reason, however, it is the focus of world attention, precisely as prophesied.

Next, within Israel consider that city, the entire world has heard of Jerusalem. Jerusalem is a small city with neither commercial nor strategic locations. When the Old Testament prophets wrote of the future they did so with precision. Their astonishing accuracy singled out Jerusalem as the world’s focus. They didn’t say Damascus, Cairo, London, or Paris would become the center of action in the last days, but Jerusalem. Yet the eyes of the world are upon it as upon no other city. Jerusalem is indeed a “burdensome stone” (Zech 12:1-3) around the necks of all nations of the world, the most vexing and volatile problem the United Nations faces today. There is no ordinary explanation for this! What the Hebrew prophets declared thousands of years ago and what seemed utterly fantastic in their time is being fulfilled in our day. This is only part of the evidence, as we shall see, that the prophesied “last days” are upon us and that our generation will likely see the remainder of the Bible prophecy fulfilled.

This evening have you ever connected the happenings in the world, in our newspapers, history books, and on the evening news – with God’s Word the BIBLE?

[ John Barnett ]

TEACHING: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pva1dz03IRg

“Where Does Israel’s War Go From Here? Interview with Tom Hughes”

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Tom Hughes, as we dive a little bit deeper into the complexities of the Israeli conflict. This interview aims to shed light on the historical, political, and social issues that shape the situation. Tom Hughes provides an expert analysis that you won’t want to miss.

[ Branon Holthaus interviews Tom Hughes ]

INTERVIEW: https://rumble.com/v3rupl4-tom-hughes-on-the-israel-conflict-exclusive-interview-prophecy-update.html

“Israel’s Enemies”

J.B. Hixson is the Founder and President of NBW (Not by Works) Ministries. He has a long list of credentials and accomplishments which are detailed on his website, notbyworks.org. One of his many venues is his podcast where he interviews the top voices in end times Bible prophecy today, hence this interview with Bill Salus.

[ JB Hixson interviews Bill Salus ]

INTERVIEW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8FIAuWVh5Y

“These Are The Nations That Will Attack Israel”

[ Ray Comfort ]

VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=If9rev_aFdw

“Scene 1 – Israel! Scene 2 – Ezekiel 38! Final Scene – God Wins!!!”

So many things are happening now in the Middle East and all over the world. The breaking news is getting more insane by the moment and the whole world is in turmoil. As disconcerting as it all may be, we can find peace in knowing how it all ends. Here’s the good news; God prevails and nobody can stop Him. The only question left is, what does God expect of us? Get ready because we’ll be running fast!!!

[ James Kaddis and Monkey Werx ]

COMMENTARY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGVbsPI9r3w

“2023 Prophecy Conference”

[ Christ Community Church ]

SESSION 1 (Dr. David Reagan): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hli8HQvwoKs

SESSION 2 (Billy Crone): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-aJUW83SA4

SESSION 3 (Don Perkins): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4S3tiieD7Sc

SESSION 4 (Dr. David Reagan): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0H2u88MYxI

“THE BATTLE OF GOG AND MAGOG”

The battle of Gog and Magog described in Ezekiel 38 and 39 is perhaps one of the most debated events in biblical prophecy. Some approach these chapters as non-literal, having only an idealist or figurative meaning, without any historical reality. This provides no possibility of a future fulfillment of the details contained in the passage, which leaves the reader to find a meaning relevant to present circumstances without any significant controls to govern that meaning.

Others approach these chapters as having a historical fulfillment, being an invasion of some kind, but differ on its participants, location, and timing. One group considers this invasion as already fulfilled in an ancient battle during the Old Testament era, one option being the events in Esther 9. Usually, this is an attempt to avoid a future fulfillment involving Israel as a nation. Neither an idealist/figurative view nor a past fulfillment view do justice to the details of the passage, which means its fulfillment is yet future, but when, where, and with whom?

Commentators propose a number of options regarding timing of the invasion. These include:

Just prior to the Rapture of the church and onset of the seven-year Tribulation
Between the Rapture and the Tribulation
Around the middle of the Tribulation
Just prior to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ
Between the Second Coming and the commencement of the Millennium
At the end of the Millennium

Each of these views has some support from the biblical data, which is why the debate continues. [more…]

[ The Friends of Israel – LES CRAWFORD ]

ARTICLE: https://www.foi.org/2021/12/10/the-battle-of-gog-and-magog/

“Israel’s Future”

Sermon series on Daniel 9:20-27.

[ John MacArthur ]

PART 1: https://www.gty.org/library/sermons-library/27-24/israels-future-part-1

PART 2: https://www.gty.org/library/sermons-library/27-25/israels-future-part-2

PART 3: https://www.gty.org/library/sermons-library/27-26/israels-future-part-3

“Israel’s Final Deliverance”

We come to the twelfth chapter and the subject is a subject that’s not new to us in the book of Zechariah. It’s a rather familiar theme and yet Zechariah comes at it in a very, very different way. It’s the theme of Israel’s final deliverance and salvation. All the way through the book of Zechariah this has been predicted. This has been prophesied. This has been anticipated and hoped for and now we find a description of its coming to pass.

Now this is not something that’s really in the abstract for us who live today in this particular age because we can really see all around us the coming together of the fulfillment of prophecy as it relates to Israel. I imagine if we had been living a hundred years ago this would seem somewhat obscure. But in our life time since 1948, the eyes of the world have focused on that little plot of ground that is known as Israel. It has drawn the attention of the world because of its amazing existence and because of its amazing sanctification, as it were. And I mean that in the sense of being set apart. It seems to be undefeatable or indomitable. It exists as an island in a sea all around it that is endeavoring to rage and swallow it up. And since it became a nation again in 1948, this little nation that you might call the mystery of history has caused the world to focus its attention right there.

Now there’s a reason for this. There’s a reason that Israel is the focus of history again and that is, I believe, that God is not yet finished with His purposes for them. A major part of the end of the redemptive plan of history finds its way coursing through the land of Israel. We believe that the Bible teaches that there is coming a great day for the nation Israel, a day of deliverance and a day of salvation, a day of tremendous political victory and a day of even more tremendous spiritual victory. God has planned it. God has predicted it repeatedly in the Old and the New Testament and most particularly for our interest, God details it right here in the twelfth chapter of Zechariah. It’s going to be a day when what has been a very tragic history will be reversed and be a history of great joy for Israel. [more…]

[ John MacArthur ]

SERMON: https://www.gty.org/library/sermons-library/2169/israels-final-deliverance

“The Truth About the Israeli Defense Force”

Today, Jimmy Evans and Bill Salus discuss the two-state solution and God’s peace plan as mentioned in Jeremiah 12. They also take some time to explain the role of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and the prophecies involving them. To wrap up this episode, they will dive into the Psalm 83 war and their beliefs about it.

[ Jimmy Evans interviews Bill Salus ]

INTERVIEWS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIjnLD-SKE0

“The Tribulation, the Temple and the Antichrist”

There’s a reason Pastor Billy Crone is one of our favorite guests. He always brings us tremendous information on all of the things happening behind the scenes in Bible prophecy. It’s been 2700 years since the Old Testament prophet Zechariah penned his prophetic perspective on the future. You may not know it, but he wrote about nuclear war, the Tribulation, the battle of Armageddon, and the 2nd Coming of Jesus Christ. 2700 years ago!

[ Gary Stearman interviews Billy Crone ]

INTERVIEW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIpmF14yvFA

“ARE YOU GETTING READY FOR EARTH’S FINAL DAY?”

The BIGGEST LESSON the Next Generation needs to learn is about wasted TIME.

So much of our time is so easily wasted.

But Jesus wants us to understand how to REDEEM our TIME.

So, Jesus introduces us to EARTH’S FINAL DAY. Then He asks us to LIVE LIKE WE BELIEVE HIM!

Time is marching unstoppably toward the end–the end of the world, the end of life, the end of days.

As we open to Luke 21 we are opening the door to the future, and peering at the end of the world through the eyes of the Creator Himself, the Judge of all, and the One who will signal the end of days. With the end in sight, what does Jesus say we should be motivated to do? He tells us at the end of His sermon. He warns us that we can get mesmerized by life, hypnotized by time, and forget what we are here to do.

Each Year’s Final Day: Have you ever noticed the curious difference in time on New Year’s Eve?

Almost every other day of the year, time seems the same. But that night it is brought home to us that time is moving. Usually, we use our watch to check our movement. We check our watch to be sure we get here or there at the right time. And it is us we think about moving.

But on New Year’s Eve, we watch as time moves inexorably into another year. As Ray Steadman said, “. . . on New Year’s Eve . . . we can almost hear the stream of time beginning to murmur as it drops over the dam of that strange midnight hour. We become aware of the fact that we are not living an endless repetitive cycle, but we are moving on a straight line of time and we can never retrace it.”

Life and time are so much reflected by how we look at our watch or clock. We check to see how long before something happens or to check to make sure we are arriving somewhere on time. Often the circle of a clock’s face makes us think time repeats itself over and over. We have noon today, noon tomorrow, and noon next week. We imagine that if we don’t get something done it will be okay because we will have another similar time tomorrow. The illusion of time being circular and coming around each day makes us miss the fact that time is going by irretrievably! What we have done, said, and been–is irrevocably done and unchangeably a part of our life. Our steps can’t be retraced. Our mistakes can not be undone. We can’t add what we have missed, we can’t erase what we have done. It is final. Time is linear and unstoppable. We are headed to the end of not only our earthly days, but towards earth’s final days.

[ John Barnett ]

TEACHING: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1f87c8J4pY

“SIGNS WE ARE AT THE END”

What does the world look like when Jesus comes back? We can know if we read His messages about His Second Coming. And if we read carefully we see a very clear picture He describes.

Most of what Jesus described were events and elements that have always been somewhere on earth occurring—but He tells us that when these events and elements begin to go global, watch for Him.

So what do we see at the end? Here is another look at the next few elements of the world when Jesus Returns. I like to call them 25 trends that are present when Christ returns.

What are some of them? We will actually in the days ahead look at these in detail, but here they are in summary. We have already seen from the Scriptures the first ten.

[ John Barnett ]

TEACHING: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_oxbAoAIUM

What is the End Times Tribulation?”

What is the End Times Tribulation? If you’re looking for a Tribulation definition and explanation of these seven years of tribulation, watch this Tribulation video. In it, Pastor Nelson with Bible Munch uses the Bible to explain what happens during Daniel’s 70th week and the Great Tribulation time within it, which all follows after many signs of the end times and the Pre Tribulation rapture.

[ Got Questions ]

TEACHING: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4j40k1ndjI

“DID YOU NOTICE WE JUST GOT ANOTHER STEP CLOSER–TO EARTH’S FINAL DAY?”

Two of this week’s headlines caught my eye. Part of the end of days Jesus describes is a GLOBAL HATRED of the Jews and of Israel. But it seems America keeps defending them. What may happen?

I was just finished with my study of Hebrews 1 where God said He wants us to be ready for the LAST DAYS by listening to Christ.

Then I read those headlines!

What does Jesus have to say about such sobering words?

What Happens to the USA?
Five Sobering Possibilities:

– We Align as Part of the Revived Roman Empire of the West.
– We Implode Financially because of the 30+ Trillion Dollar Debt Bomb, break into smaller parts, and stop being powerful.
– We Explode when Russia stops threatening and actually launches 2-4 of those Sarmat Missiles.
– We Blackout under an EMP strike from China, N. Korea, Russia, or Iran.
– We Dry out under the 1,200-year Mega-drought we see unfolding in the West right now.

[ John Barnett ]

TEACHING: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVe85Vob3lA

“The Bible’s Predictions Are Materializing Now!!!”

We have been confident about our assertions concerning the issue of Russia and Ukraine because the Bible tells us what the end result will be, thus, we have full confidence in the stand we take. In the current moment, we are watching the fulfillment of Ezekiel 36 and 37. What’s even more astounding is the fact that Ezekiel 38 and 39 is being staged by God Himself in the current moment!!! This is Amazing and more than ever we need to dive into God’s word!!!

[ James Kaddis ]

COMMENTARY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-klnVMCQJ9M

“The Great Tribulation”
Matthew 24 Resources

Updated: Tue, 01/31/2023 – 11:50 By admin
The term Great Tribulation was first used by Jesus in Matthew 24:15 in the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24-25), in which He addressed His Jewish disciples Peter, James and John (Mark 13:3) who had asked Him “when will these things be (destruction of the Temple – Mt 24:2), and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” (Mt 24:3) There are two other uses of the exact phrase “great tribulation” in the Revelation…

Revelation 2:22+ ‘Behold, I will throw her on a bed of sickness, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of her deeds.

Revelation 7:14+ I said to him, “My lord, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

At the outset, it should be noted that while some writers use tribulation and Great Tribulation interchangeably, it is more accurate to distinguish these terms because the “Tribulation” as commonly used refers to the entire future seven year period of Daniel’s Seventieth Week (see discussion of Daniel 9:27 below). On the other hand Great Tribulation refers to the last three and one-half years of Daniel’s Seventieth Week. It should also be noted that while the seven year period of Daniel is frequently referred to as “The Tribulation” it is difficult to find a Scripture that supports this designation. Some writers refer to Jesus’ use of the word “tribulation” in Mt 24:9 as a reference to the seven years of Daniel, but that interpretation is not conclusive. Nevertheless, because the term is so ingrained in the literature, we will use the term “Tribulation” as a synonym for Daniel’s Seventieth Week. [more…]

[ Precept Austin ]

ARTICLE: https://www.preceptaustin.org/the_great_tribulation

“The End Times Wars”

A series of devastating battles are coming, some quite familiar like Armageddon, but others far less familiar. These future wars can be hard to decipher. The countries named in Scripture have different names today. So who can we trust to rightly divide the word? One of the world’s experts on these end time wars is our friend Bill Salus.

[ Mondo Gonzalez interviews Bill Salus ]

INTERVIEW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2FPQTWIh38

“7 SHOCKING Things About Heaven In The Book of Revelation”

The book of Revelation reveals 7 very surprising and shocking details about heaven and the eternal state. This video will explore what the book of Revelation says about heaven and the eternal state.

[ Allen Parr ]

TEACHING: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkGsclQEM74

“The Redemption of Israel”

The tenth chapter of Zechariah is concerned with the redemption of Israel. This is a theme that is very common to the book of Zechariah, one which we’ve touched on in the past and we’ll touch on again as we finish out the book in the remaining weeks. Let me come at it from another chapter in the Bible that talks about the redemption of Israel and that’s the eleventh chapter of Romans. You don’t need to turn to it, but let me remind you of what it says in the beginning of that chapter. The entire eleventh chapter of Romans deals with the question that is introduced in the first verse of that chapter and the question is, has God cast off His people Israel? That’s a very vital question. That’s a question that theologians are still discussing today. That’s a question that is highly debated and heatedly discussed in theological seminaries and colleges around America and around the world. Has God cast off His people Israel?

The next verse of the eleventh chapter of Romans answers the question and that is the second verse. And the second verse simply states the fact that God has not cast off His people Israel, that that is the remotest possible thought. It says, “God hath not cast away His people whom He foreknew.” In other words, by the time you get to the eleventh chapter of Romans, God is still dealing in the fulfillment of His promises to Israel, He has not set them aside. And from then as you progress through the eleventh chapter, Paul develops that particular thought. What is in fact God’s plan for Israel? And it culminates in verse 26 of Romans 11 which says, “So all Israel shall be saved. As it is written, there shall come out of Zion the Deliverer who shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob.” Why is God going to fulfill that? “For this is My covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.” And verse 29 says, “And the gifts and callings of God are without repentance.” Should God cast away His people Israel? No, God will not cast away His people. On the contrary, verse 26 and following says, “God will save His people.”

I’ve been in Israel a couple of times. And one of the most wonderful things that you’re able to say to those people over there is the fact that there’s a great future for you. God is going to redeem this entire nation. God has not cast you off. And one of the reasons that America has been such a great friend of Israel is because of the Christian testimony of America. The Israelis know that there are many of us who believe in the restoration of Israel. They know that. There are many evangelical Christians who have made friends with Israelis. I was invited, and I don’t know exactly the dates for it, but I was invited to be a part of a conference that is to take place in Jerusalem that is being sponsored by the country of Israel itself. And they are inviting, at their own request, key evangelical teachers and leaders from all around America to come to Israel to be hosted by the government of Israel to proclaim their message. That’s quite interesting. They know of our great support. I’ll let you know when that happens. But it’s interesting that they are so amenable to evangelical Christians. Now maybe they have political ends in mind, but that’s all right, we’ll go under any invitation to proclaim the truth of Christ. [more…]

[ John MacArthur ]

SERMON: https://www.gty.org/library/sermons-library/2166/the-redemption-of-israel

“The Salvation of Israel (Zechariah 12:1-13:9)”

Let’s open the Word of God to Zechariah chapter 12. While you’re turning to Zechariah – he’s quite a remarkable prophet, Zechariah – prophesies in about 520 to 518, prophecies after the Babylonian captivity is over and the people of Israel have been released from Babylon by Cyrus; they’ve come back to the land. He’s what we call a post-exilic prophet. He’s prophesying to the people in the newly constituted nation of Israel. They’ve gotten their life back; they’re in their country, and he encourages them to restore their love for God, their worship of God, and to build the temple. And he encourages them in that by prophesying the word of the Lord to them that the Messiah will come – the Messiah will come.

The theme of the coming Messiah runs all the way through Zechariah. The opening nine chapters or so focus a lot on the first coming of Messiah – features of the first coming of Messiah – but chapters 12 to 14 focus on the second coming of Messiah. So, he gives them this amazing vision of the wonderful future that Israel has in the plan of God, a future of national salvation when the Messiah comes to establish His kingdom and fulfill all the promises given to the Patriarchs and to David and all the prophets in the past.

Sadly, like so many prophets, Zechariah lost his life. Zechariah was murdered. He was murdered between the altar and the sanctuary in the temple. And we learn that from our Lord Jesus’ lips in Matthew chapter 23, when He indicts the nation Israel and calls them the nation that kills the prophets. This is one that they killed.

So, instead of hearing the word of the Lord that came through Zechariah, they eventually murdered Zechariah and continued, even after the restoration, on their apostate journey – all the way to the arrival of Messiah whom they rejected, and beyond that, through human history until now, and until the future when they will be saved. That is yet to come. [more… ]

[ John MacArthur ]

SERMON: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3uWIohv0HuQ

“The Day of the Lord”

Take your Bible, if you will, and let’s look at the fourteenth chapter of the book of Zechariah – Zechariah chapter 14. I feel that if there’s anything that I feel somewhat comfortable with it’s the Greek of the New Testament. I had about seven years of Greek study and so I feel like I really can handle that. And when I get to the Old Testament, I don’t quite feel as capable and consequently it makes greater demands on me in terms of my own study time to draw out of any given passage what’s there, trying to deal with the language with which I am less familiar. And then to compound my own lack of alacrity in Hebrew, Zechariah is an infinitely complex prophecy. And to make matters worse, I tried to cover 21 verses for tonight. So in the complexity of all of that kind of effort, we’re going to see what we can do with the whole fourteenth chapter at one shot. Get comfortable. We’ll see what happens.

This is our last look at Zechariah’s wonderful message. And I really believe that God has used this in my own life to increase my understanding not only of this book but of much of the Old Testament apocalyptic literature, of much of the heart of a prophet, much of God’s attitude toward His people Israel and much of it, of course, carries right on into the New Testament as God doesn’t change. So it’s been a refreshing study.

The basic theme of the book of Zechariah, just to remind you, is the sweep of Israel’s history from the time of Zechariah, when the nation returned from the Babylonian captivity, right on till the establishing of the millennial kingdom on earth. That is the subject of this fourteenth chapter, the establishing of the millennial kingdom. We started out in chapter 1 with Zechariah dealing with the people as they had come back, were endeavoring to rebuild their city which was in rubble, to rebuild the wall, et cetera. And Zechariah came along as a great prophet of comfort, a great prophet of hope, and his message was to tell Israel that God was going to let them rebuild. God was going to let them restore their city. But more than that, God had an incredible future for them way off in the distance when all of human history came to its climax. [more…]

[ John MacArthur ]

SERMON: https://www.gty.org/library/sermons-library/2171/the-day-of-the-lord

“Should Christians Support Secular Israel?”

Join Mondo and JB Hixson as they discuss what the Bible says about modern Israel. Since 80% of modern Israel is secular, should we support them? What is the proper response to trying to make a peace agreement with Hamas?

[ J.B. Hixson and Mondo Gonzales ]

COMMENTARY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDKSoqVd5O8

“Why Should Christians Support Israel?”

God has made an eternal covenant with Israel and will keep His promises. We must defend and protect Israel and love the Jews in their time of need. Don’t be fooled by what is trending on social media – make sure you are landing on the pages of the Bible!

[ Jack Hibbs ]

COMMENTARY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6XvzikP4S8c

“Lifting ISRAEL in PRAYER”

What’s it like living on the ground in Israel right now? And, how can Christians help Israel in their time of need? Find out with guest Erez Bar David along with host Tim Moore of the Lamb & Lion Ministries evangelism team as they provide their Prophetic Perspectives

[ Tim Moore interviews Erez Bar David ]

INTERVIEW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9I7atBpgn_c

“UPDATE: Pray for Israel”

Israel is under attack. We need to pray for Israel, and we need to prepare to defend Israel in the days, weeks, and months ahead as Israel moves forward to eliminate the terrorist threat on its border.

In today’s video, we talk about what has happened, put it all into perspective for those who may not yet understand the severity of this attack, and read what the Bible says is an absolute certainty.

[ Britt Gillette ]

COMMENTARY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6d0fdyLZfk&t=2s

“Standing With Israel”

Today we stand with Israel in prayer.

[ Jimmy Evans ]

TEACHING: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSHUvOSxM2o

“Nightmare Scenario – Expanded War Spirals Global Financial Crisis”

It is happening again. All over America, borrowers are getting behind on their payments. In particular, subprime borrowers are having a very difficult time paying the bills. Does that ring a bell? That should, because the last time we witnessed anything like this was during the last financial crisis.

When things start to go bad, those at the bottom of the economic food chain feel it first, and that is why the numbers that have been coming out lately are so alarming.

For example, the percentage of subprime borrowers that are at least 60 days behind on their auto loans reached 6.11 percent last month.

That figure is the highest ever recorded…

The percent of subprime auto borrowers at least 60 days past due on their loans rose to 6.11% in September, the highest in data going back to 1994, according to Fitch Ratings.

“The subprime borrower is getting squeezed,” said Margaret Rowe, senior director with Fitch.

Let this sink in for a moment.

We never saw a number this high during the Great Recession.

And we never saw a number this high during the COVID pandemic.

So this is really bad. [more… ]

[ Prophecy News Watch ]

ARTICLE: https://www.prophecynewswatch.com/article.cfm?recent_news_id=6457

“US Preparing for Worst-Case Scenario in Middle East”

The United States is preparing for a worst-case scenario in the Israel–Hamas war. This includes plans to evacuate more than 600,000 U.S. citizens from Israel and Lebanon, and the deployment of additional weapons systems to the Middle East that can intercept ballistic missiles. The U.S. is also moving additional warships to the region. In this episode of Crossroads, we’ll discuss this story and others.

[ Jonathan Philipp ]

COMMENTARY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vXTYMo8GfA

“The Truth of Why Israel’s War Matters To YOU!”

Pastor Tom was a guest on the Impact Podcast with Jeff Christian, they discussed Israel and why the war in Israel matters to you.

[ Jeff Christian interviews Pastor Tom Hughes ]

INTERVIEW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vs4MxYFmGXk

“It Happened In Israel!!! Next Is America And Europe!!!”

On this episode of Countdown 2 Eternity, Pastor James and Monkey will be discussing what may be one of the most serious and pressing issues of our time. The horrific acts that took place in Israel in October will soon happen in America if we are not careful and watchful. We know God is in control which is why we must be aware.

[ James Kaddis and Monkey Werx ]

COMMENTARY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLkFy3ZCr_M

“This looks like the beginning of World War III, China expert warns”

Gatestone Institute senior fellow Gordon Chang discusses China calling for a ceasefire after Hamas attacks on Israel, U.S. Senate delegation meeting with President Xi Jinping and the Biden administration’s foreign policy.

[ Maria Bartiromo interviews Gordon Chang ]

INTERVIEW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-VvN0Im6ro

“Think Israel Doesn’t Affect You? Think Again!!!”

As the poisonous influence of academia is having a destructive effect on our children, many are failing to understand that what happens in Israel will bear great consequences on not just the United States, but on the whole world. If we do not deal with the propagators of evil, that evil will overtake all that stand in its path!!! We must stand with Israel!!!

[ James Kaddis ]

COMMENTARY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPx49EO5T1A

“Why Israel Matters | Faith vs. Culture”

CBN News’ Tré Goins-Phillips, Billy Hallowell, and Dan Andros break down the significance of Israel and how Christians should pray for the Israeli people.

[ CBN Faithwire ]

COMMENTARY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_4DCRrqdxo

“Why Israel: How Your Christian Faith is Rooted in Jesus and the Jewish People”

Why Israel? As a Christian, could it be that you have a vital part to play in the rest of the story of God’s Chosen People?

As a follower of Yeshua (Jesus), the Jewish Messiah, you have been adopted into this grand narrative. The core of your faith is rooted in the promises God made to Israel. We have seen the physical and spiritual restoration of Israel begin, but there is so much more to come.

Zechariah 8:22 tells us that in these days, people from all languages and nations will rally around their Jewish brothers and sisters and say “Let us go with you, because we have heard that God is with you.’”

Discover how the story of the Jewish people connects to you. The next chapter of the story of Israel includes you.

Will you step into your role in the story of Israel and the Jewish people?

[ FIRM Israel ]

VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQqiZWhkbRw

“WHY DOES GOD PUT ISRAEL–ON THE FRONT PAGE OF GLOBAL NEWS EACH DAY?”

Tonight, the history of our Salvation is inextricably bound up in the history of God’s Chosen People of Destiny – The Jews. That is why many years ago when a great Bible conference speaker was asked to prove the inspiration of Scripture in one sentence, he replied: I’ll do it in one word – THE JEWS.

One nation on Earth was picked by God to be:

His bearers of Truth,
His Begetors of the Line of Messiah, and
His Blessing to All Nations – ISRAEL.

The Jewish People are God’s People,
the Jewish customs are God’s Shadow of things even yet to come.

ISRAEL and the Miracle of God’s work in and through them is the second great key to God’s Prophetic Roadmap for the FUTURE.

The Lord has claimed that He ALONE can declare the future. “I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done” (Isaiah 46:9-10). “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed” (2 Peter 1:19).

What happens to ISRAEL has been ordained by God, and we need to be careful to understand the past dealings of God with the Jews to realize in the future that He is still at work!

The Jews, the Land of Israel, and the Nation of Israel are a Chosen People of Destiny.

[ John Barnett ]

TEACHING: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6kWBqeVsIY

“WHY DOES GOD STAKE HIS NAME ON ISRAEL & THE JEWS? They are God’s Chosen People of Destiny!”

As we open to Romans 11, we all need to understand more and more about how God has worked in the past, and what He has planned for the future. One of the richest ways to do that is through a closer look at Israel and the Jewish people. God has declared that they are His chosen people of destiny.

First, we need to remind ourselves of the reality God presents to New Testament believers of:
OUR AMAZINGLY JEWISH HERITAGE

As believers, we are headed:

– To a city made by God called the New JERUSALEM (Rev. 21:2),

– This city is already constructed by God with Twelve Gates named after the 12
Tribes of ISRAEL (Rev. 21:12);

– There are also Twelve Foundations of this Heavenly home prepared for us that are
named after the 12 JEWISH Apostles (Rev. 21:14);

– God describes Himself as enthroned above a hill called ZION (Psalm 48:1-2);

– And as Jesus preached the Gospel He invited all who would respond to come to a
Feast He described, that is going to be in Heaven, where we get to sit and eat with ABRAHAM, ISAAC and JACOB who are already SEATED there at the banquet (Matthew 8:11)!
For us who often are “Old Testament-Lite” we often overlook or even forget the challenge that all 1189 chapters of the Scriptures present to us1 that:

– We serve the King of the Jews.

– We are members of a church founded by Jewish leaders;

– We have as our highest authority a Jewish Bible (all the 40 writing authors were
Jewish);

– Our God is Jewish, for “salvation is of the Jews”, which is what no less than God in
human flesh, our Lord Jesus said in John 4:22.

– All of our spiritual benefits are derivative from the Abrahamic covenant.

– And as New Testament members of Christ’s Body and Church, we are grafted into
the true olive tree, from the root of Abraham as Romans 11 exhaustively explains.

[ John Barnett ]

TEACHING: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=873xg3Mk7-o

“Seek the Lord While He May Be Found”

Normally this would be a Communion Sunday, as the bulletin indicates, but I asked that we postpone one Sunday so that I had a little more time, because I wanted to speak to you in light of all that’s going on in our world, and in particular, the atrocities that occurred over in the land of Israel. That is on everyone’s mind. We understand the horrors of it. It is, for some of us, unimaginable behavior and conduct, although it is nothing new in the world. And I was, really, asking the Lord to direct me in a particular way because there’s so many aspects and perspectives on what is going on in Israel and in the Middle East and in the conflict and the war that has begun. But as I thought about it, I began to list the things we could talk about and be informed by Scripture.

We could look at this event and take a look at the Arab-Jew conflict, not only as it is today, but when it started back in the book of Genesis between Ishmael and Isaac, which was the beginning of this conflict. We could even look forward into the future, where this conflict will continue until the final battle of Armageddon. So it really goes from Ishmael and Isaac all the way to Armageddon. That is all of redemptive history.

We also could look at the fact that through history God has preserved the Jewish people while at the same time punishing them for the rejection of His Son. That’s why our Lord looked at Jerusalem and said, “Your house is left to you desolate until you come to the knowledge of your Messiah.” We see the desolation of Israel. We could look at all the suffering of the people of Israel through the centuries in the desolation that was pronounced upon them because of their rejection of Christ, which still goes on today. We could talk about that. We could talk about preservation and punishment at the same time. We could talk about the fact that no nation will ever exterminate the Jews. It’s been tried through history; it will not succeed, because God has future plans for their salvation and their kingdom. [more…]

[ John MacArthur ]

SERMON: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIgFriRkJNs

<<< SONGS >>>

“I Stand For Israel”

Wherever I stand, I stand for Israel
Wherever I walk, I’ll walk with her
Wherever I go, I will tell of her great fame,
so the world will see she’s not alone

Wherever I go, my hearts for Israel
Wherever I speak, her truth I’ll speak
Whenever I see all her many enemies
I will be heard in the heavenlies!

I say peace to Jerusalem
Long live Jerusalem
Set your heart on your coming King
I say Israel lift up your eyes
See the land that’s prophecies
Don’t fear for our God
Declares your victory

Wherever I stand, I stand for Israel
Whenever I pray, her peace i’ll seek
Whenever they say “she’ll be cast into the see”
I see the Land where Messiah will stand

Whenever I sing, I’ll sing for Israel
Whenever I weep, her tears I’ll shed
Whenever I fear her future all seems lost
God’s promises I once again declare

Shalom Jerusalem
Put your trust in the Lord
Shalom Jerusalem
Put your trust in the Lord

[ Ebenezer Worship – “The Promise” album ]

SONG: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e74Hy-WQv9k

“Hiding Place” / “As the Deer”

[ Shae Wilbur and Paul Wilbur ]

SONG: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQgEw3gXkBo

“We Stand With Israel”

We hear your cries
Your tears fall from our eyes
Know that from the start
Its echoed in our hearts

We stand with Israel
We stand with you
May G-d protect us now and help us through

We stand with Israel
You’re not alone
May G-d watch over you, you are our home

Unimaginable fear
More than one can bear
So we come together today
To raise our voices and say!

[ The Miami Boys Choir ]

SONG: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JBMG5mkg_s

“Simple Song For Israel”

[ Sam Glaser ]

SONG: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jytj-r1wx0c

“We Stand with Israel”

[ Daniel Glaser ]

SONG: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ep8uQTRXoas

“I Stand With Israel”

[ Jonesey Music ]

SONG: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AyV1OQSNOuI

<<< APOLOGETIX SONGS >>>

“Hey Philistines”
(Parody of “Hey Jealousy” performed by Gin Blossoms)

Well, tell me, did you think you’d be all right
To fight against us Israelites?
You can steal our Lord’s Ark of the Covenant
And get away, but God goes where it goes
Yet, you know, it might not be that bad
If you’d oppressed us and left it at that
But now that you’ve stolen the holy thing of Israel
He may not leave you alone

Tomorrow, you can drive it out of town
Because your god, Dagon, fell down
Smashed his head and arms upon the ground in great disgrace
Hey, Philistines — Hey, Philistines
Hey, Philistines — Hey, Philistines

You can trust me — God’s too big
And strong to keep around
And if you don’t respect His majesty
You might get three dead towns
‘Cause I don’t think He wants to be with you
I’m feelin’ like He’s mad — it’s true
If my God had shown you all His miracles
You’d rightly fear Him, too

Tomorrow, you can drive it out of town
Because your god, Dagon, fell down
Ashdod, Gath, and Ekron, finally found He hates this place
Hey, Philistines

Well, tell me, did you think you’d be all right
To fight against us Israelites?
You can steal our Lord’s Ark of the Covenant
And get away, but God goes where it goes
Yet you know, it might not be that bad
If you’d oppressed us and left it at that
You might have to return that Holy thing to Israel
To make God leave you alone

Tomorrow, you can drive it out of town
Because your god, Dagon, fell down
Ashdod, Gath, and Ekron, finally found He hates this place
Hey, Philistines

Hey, Philistines
Yes, you took God’s Ark
Well, there’s only one thing now to do that’s smart

[ ApologetiX – “Decent Alternative” album ]

SONG: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7OPaVuto-g

“Jacob’s Name Is Israel”
(Parody of “Takin’ Care of Business” by Bachman-Turner Overdrive)

When Jacob was born he took a long time comin’
Took the ankle of his older brother
They were twins, but Jake was later
Esau was his father’s favorite
‘Cause he spent his time as a hunter
And every single time, Jacob had to wait in line
He started then to strive to get his way
He was just a little boy; he was mama’s pride and joy
He loved to work with mother all day — but now, now

Jacob’s name is Israel — What’d you say?
Jacob’s name is Israel — By the way, I said
Jacob’s name is Israel — ‘Cause he strived
Jacob’s name is Israel — The father of the tribes — All 12

You can read in Genesis how Esau burst into the kitchen
And said, “Jacob, give me some stuff to swallow!”
Jacob said, “Sell me your birthright!”
Esau said, “What is it worth right now
“I’m dyin’ of hunger; my stomach’s hollow!”
So Esau sold him all his rights — Jacob later set his sights
Upon the blessing Isaac would pray
He pretended he was Esau, and his father couldn’t see so
Jacob stole the blessing and ran away — and now, now

Jacob’s name is Israel — What’d you say?
Jacob’s name is Israel — By the way, I said
acob’s name is Israel — ‘Cause he strived
Jacob’s name is Israel — The father of the tribes

Jacob’s name — now is Israel
‘Cause he strived — overdrive — wooo!

After 20 years with Laban, well, the Lord spoke to Jacob:
“Take your family with you back to Canaan.”
Jacob knew he’d meet his brother
As he travelled through the desert
He was scared, and I wouldn’t blame him
And in the night he fought with a Man we think was God
He wrestled with him till the break of day
He took Jacob’s hip and knocked it out of joint right at the socket
He blessed him, and He gave him this name — so now, now

Jacob’s name is Israel — What’d you say?
Jacob’s name is Israel — By the way, He said
Jacob’s name is Israel — ‘Cause he strived
Jacob’s name is Israel — The father of the tribes
CHORUS (2X)

[ ApologetiX – “Radical History Tour” album ]

SONG: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NrPvCypw2w&t=124s

“Love the Jews”
(Parody of: “Love Me Do” by The Beatles)

God loves the Jews
You know I have proof
Our Lord was one too
So please — love the Jews
Whoa oh — love the Jews

John was a Jew
And Mark and Matthew
They all were but Luke
So please — love the Jews
Whoa oh — love the Jews

Someone may want
Some Bible proof
Romans 10:1, 11:2

James was a Jew
Peter and Andrew
And Bartholomew
So please — love the Jews
Whoa oh — love the Jews

Paul was a Jew
Read Romans 9:2
The whole way straight through
Verse 3 — love the Jews
Whoa oh — love the Jews
Yeaah — love the Jews
Whoa oh — love the Jews

[ ApologetiX – “Grace Period” album ]

SONG: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32DXJCSG3ds

“The Jews’ Lost Hero”
(Parody of “Juke Box Hero” by Foreigner)

Laid Him in the grave – with their heads hung low
Couldn’t have predicted – they wouldn’t hold out hope
Heard the roar of the crowd – crucifixion decreed
Saw Him nailed to the cross – surprised He didn’t scream
His words stunned the guard – just blew him away
Saw love in His eyes – through His very last day

But the beat-up victim – couldn’t take it anymore
Took a Roman to say it – but he knew for sure
That Son of God – was good till the end
He didn’t do wrong – to other men
That One they scarred – One they’d brought low
Was the One predicted – from a long time ago

So they brought a rock in
And laid it on the top
Lotta people talkin’
Some say God’ll raise that dude back up
To be the Jews’ lost hero
(God’s Son will arise)
He’s the Jews’ lost hero
He’s the Son of God
(Jews’ lost hero — Son will arise)
Jews’ lost hero
(Son will arise)
He’s gonna rise to life

In Isaiah 53 — in a passage now ignored
God described a Man of sorrows – my exact same Lord
Like the Scriptures at last – that day finally came
When that one they scarred — made the whole world change

Now I hear some people knock Him
They just can’t stop
Gotta read more often
That poignant spot Isaiah’s got
To see the Jews’ lost hero
(God’s Son did arise)
He’s the Jews’ lost hero
(God’s Son did arise)
Yeahhhh — Jews’ lost hero
(Son did arise)
With that Son of God
(Son did arise)
We’ll come alive
Come alive through Christ
LEAD

Yeahhhh
A lotta people mock Him
They just can’t stop
But I think you’d like Him
That joy I’ve got you may have sought
You need the Jews’ lost hero
(God’s Son is alive)
He’s the Jews’ lost hero
(God’s Son is alive)
He’s the Son of God (Jews’ lost hero)
God’s Son is alive
‘Cause He’s the Jews’ lost hero
Jews’ lost hero
Jews’ lost hero
Jesus Christ is alive
Christ is alive

[ ApologetiX – “Nichey” album ]

SONG: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXv8vh5Lh-g

“Babel, Babel”
(Parody of “Rebel Rebel” performed and written by David Bowie)

Doo doo doo-doo doo doo doo doo
Doo doo doo-doo doo doo doo doo
Doo doo doo-doo doo doo doo doo

We got some others in the world
They’re not sure if they should boil us in oil
They hate – the Israelites
They say, let’s go and unite
It’s like reading the Second Psalm
It’s like glancin’ at the Book divine
The Lord laughs at their pagan hordes
The world roars at His warning voice

They put me down – and they all scoff
Attacking things that put them off
Babel, Babel – their former address
Babel, Babel – that place was a mess
Babel, Babel – how could they know
God’s plans – they just move slow Told ya

Doo doo doo-doo doo doo doo doo
We got the mother of all wars
We’re just – not sure when but we’re sure of the source
He hates — the Israelites
He hates men sold out to Christ
He likes peace and he likes it false
He loves tramplin? on the Book divine
He’s got plans and he plays his part
He wants war and he comes with force

He hooked the crowd – but they are wrong
Their crafty kiiing – he put them on
Rebel nations – their forward address
Revelation – 16:16 says – it’s
Armageddon – how could they know
God’s plans – they just move slow
Told ya
Uhh!

Doo doo doo-doo doo doo doo doo
Doo doo doo-doo doo doo doo doo
Babel, Babel – the Torah says
Babel, Babel – a snake’s in the grass
Babel, Babel – why don’t they know
God’s plans – they just move slow
Told ya

Their former address – was facin’ a mess
In chapter 11 of old Genesis
They got the — translation of the languages
Now and — news live and their cameras and crews
Who wanna — be there when the battle ensues
‘Cause they love distress
But the dude won’t have success
Because he’s facin’ the best
But how could they know
I said, how could they know

So what you ought to know
The Revelation described
In chapter 19 long ago
Their man is doomed to lose and Christ defeats their troops
Because his forward address
Is a lake of regrets
Ooh – their faith is amiss
Ooh ooh — so how could they know
Heh heh — how could they know
Heh

[ ApologetiX – “I Know You Are but What Am I?” album ]

SONG: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mMADfBIs2w

“Casket Place”
(Parody of “Basket Case” by Green Day)

Do we have much time to live until we find
A lot of things are happening all at once? Violent crime explodes – the Lord has many foes Morality is low – they’re proud about it

Sometimes I think this world’s asleep
Soon we just might be history
It all keeps adding up — I think I’m waking up I’m not just paranoid — I’m not alone

I went to great lengths – to analyze these things
It’s just like back in Second Timothy now
I read through some more in Matthew 24
To get some signs when God will bring the first round

Sometimes I think this world’s asleep
3:1 through 5, Second Timothy
It all seems bad enough – I think I’m packin’ up He might just tarry more – He might just come

Oh oh
Last days soon unfold – so you better know God
LEAD

Sometimes I think this world’s asleep
Keep your eyes on the Middle East
The whole scene’s getting rough – I think that backs it up And I just can’t ignore – the signs I’m shown

[ ApologetiX – “I Know You Are, but What Am I?” album ]

SONG: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OS5JzHdnonI

“In Armageddon Valley (Someday)”
(Parody of “Pleasant Valley Sunday” by The Monkees)

The global clock moves down to zero while the armies march along
They surround Israel’s weakened sides; They’re just about to throw their bombs

In Armageddon Valley someday (someday)
Christ’s returning in the air
Rows of thousands that have that have called His name
And no one seems too scared

Jesus displays his power today. He’s got His soldiers on platoon.
They met the Beast who can’t believe he got defeated there so soon

In Armageddon Valley someday (someday)
Fiercest battle in the land
Bible explains about a war like this
And the simple don’t understand

The future comforts those
who know He won their souls
They’re lookin’ forward to this scene
Armageddon day
It isn’t so far away
You need to change your loyalty

Da da ta ta…

In Armageddon Valley someday (someday)
Christ’s returning in the air
In Armageddon Valley someday
Fiercest battle in the land

In Armageddon Valley someday (Armageddon Valley someday)…

[ ApologetiX – “Biblical Graffiti” album ]

SONG: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eK75BbqY6aQ

“You Gotta Go”
(Parody of “You Oughta Know” by Alanis Morissette)

I want you to know that I have prayed for you
I wish nothing but the best for your soul
I know you’re worried prob’ly — you’ll get converted like me
When it comes down to it there’s a fear there
Cause you say, “Hell — it can’t be”
You should play poker, baby
You sure do make a really excellent bluffer

Those who call on His name will be saved by His grace
Cause He paid quite enough for you when, you know, He died
And every time you speak His name it’s in vain, what a shame
Cause His arms are still open wide — open wide — while you’re still alive

But I’m here — to remind you of the mess you’re in if you turn away
It’s not fair — to deny Him
And the cross and just think you’ll get away
You, you, you — gotta go

You say there’s no Hell — you’re not evil
I’m not nice to tell you that you could go
If you forget about me — you can do as you please
I ain’t above you — I’m a miserable sinner
But there’s a path we must take
Now if we wanna be saved
And if you think it’s a joke — then you’ll suffer

But I’m here — to remind you of the mess you’re in if you turn away
It’s not fair — to deny Him
And the cross and just think you’ll get away
You, you, you — gotta go

There’s no one who can say that He sent them away
Cause an offer was made to you and you closed your eyes — and you knew it
And everyone says that’s not fair, that’s someone else’s fault
That’s not appealing — I hurt your feelings

But I’m here — to remind you of the mess you’re in if you turn away
It’s not fair — to deny Him
And the cross and just think you’ll get away
You, you, you — gotta go

I-I’m here — to remind you of the mess you’re in if you turn away
It’s not fair — to deny Him
And the cross and just think you’ll get away
You, you, you — gotta go

[ ApologetiX – “I Know You Are, but What Am I?” album ]

SONG: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6G2dwoKxFA&t=27s

“Good News/Bad News”

This is a Gospel presentation and personal testimony of J. Jackson, lead vocalist of ApologetiX from their 20th-anniversary concert. It is available on 20:20 Vision.

VIDEO (audio only): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q21Jnaq-EL8

<<< DEEP THOUGHTS >>>

“Peace for Israel means security, and we must stand with all our might to protect its right to exist, its territorial integrity. I see Israel as one of the great outposts of democracy in the world, and a marvelous example of what can be done, how a desert land can be transformed into an oasis of brotherhood and democracy. Peace for Israel means security and that security must be a reality.”
[ Martin Luther King, Jr. ]

“My sympathy with the deep and intense longing, finds such fine expression in the Jewish National Homeland in Palestine. The Jews themselves, of whom a considerable number were already scattered throughout the colonies, were true to the teachings of their prophets. The Jewish faith is predominantly the faith of liberty.”
[ Calvin Coolidge ]

“Israel was not created in order to disappear. Israel will endure and flourish.”
[ John F. Kennedy ]

“Israel exists; it has a right to exist in peace behind secure indefensible borders.”
[ Ronald Reagan ]

“The land of Israel is the home of the Jewish people, and Jerusalem is our eternal and undivided capital now and forever.”
[ Danny Danon ]

“Israel, the Jewish state, the only democracy in the Middle East, continues to shine as a beacon of light in the darkest region of the world.”
[ Brigitte Gabriel ]

“If you say that terror in London isn’t justified but suicide bombers in Israel are a different matter, then you are part of the problem.”
[ David Cameron ]

“[While] ‘Pro-Palestinian’ activists…claim to defend the interests of Palestinians they in fact thrive on the deaths and unemployment of Palestinians.”
[ Bassem Eid ]

“Name a single country in the history of the world faced with internal and external threats comparable to those faced by Israel that has ever had a better record in human rights; a better record with the compliance of the rule of law; a better record of concern for civilians?”
[ Alan Dershowitz ]

“It is manifestly right that the scattered Jews should have a national centre, and a national home to be re-united, and where else but in Palestine, with which for three thousand years that have been intimately and profoundly associated?”
[ Winston Churchill ]

“Israel was not created in order to disappear – Israel will endure and flourish. It is the child of hope in the home of the brave. It can neither be broken by adversity nor demoralized by Success. It carries the shield of democracy and honors the sword of freedom.”
[ John F. Kennedy ]

“I’m Arab, Muslim, and Zionist-I believe in the right of the Jewish people to have their own country, which is the state of Israel, the holy land…I want to say to all of the Arabs of Israel: Wake up! We live in a paradise. Compare us to other [Arab] countries. We live in a paradise!”
[ Sarah Zoabi ]

“I can’t tolerate people who criticize Israel without walking in their shoes. I hate the lies they spread and their lack of knowledge.”
[ Adam Sandler ]

“There are lots of Arabs in Israel, almost two million of us…We live there and we live in peace. I don’t get involved in all the stories. I tell you again, I live in Israel, and it is peaceful between Arabs and Jews.”
[ Abdala Boxer ]

“Israel has faced immense challenges and threats to its security over the years. I support Israel’s right to defend itself and its people from any form of aggression. Terrorist acts are a threat to all of humanity.”
[ Luis R. Sepulveda ]

“The security of Israel is a moral imperative for all free peoples.”
[ Henry Kissinger ]

“Hamas says in its charter they want to see a world without Israel. They want to obliterate Israel.”
[ Ileana Ros-Lehtinen ]

“Hamas is a terrorist organization dedicated to annihilating the Jewish state. It runs a theocratic totalitarian state in Gaza, with no individual liberty, and no freedom of speech or press.”
[ Dennis Prager ]

“The claim that Israel seeks to annihilate the Palestinians is simply a lie. Israel seeks to stop rocket attacks and tunnel invasions, and as long as Hamas is dedicated to those actions, they can expect a forceful Israeli reaction.”
[ James Howard Kunstler ]

“I condemn everyone and anyone who commits acts of terrorism. And Hamas has committed acts of terrorism.”
[ Feisal Abdul Rauf ]

“Repeat a lie often enough and it becomes truth.”
[ Joseph Goebbels, Nazi Propagandist ]

“The first casualty when war comes is truth.”
[ Hiram W. Johnson ]

“Truth is the latest ‘casualty’ in vicious propaganda war—and its unlike anything I’ve ever seen.”
[ Louise Callaghan ]

“We hold the terrorist organization Hamas responsible for this. They have initiate it and continue this conflict, and continue to seek the destruction of the state of Israel.”
[ Stephen Harper ]

“If you will not stand with Israel and the Jews, then I will not stand with you.”
[ Ted Cruz ]

“When people say they want to destroy your life, you should probably believe them. When people say they want to harm you, you should probably believe them. I think it’s important that you believe them—because they are not lying.”
[ James Kaddis ]

“The Jew is the emblem of eternity. He whom neither slaughter nor torture of thousands of years could destroy. He whom neither fire nor sword nor inquisition was able to wipe off the face of the earth. He who was the first to produce the oracles of God. He who has been for so long the guardian of prophecy, and who transmitted it to the rest of the world – such a nation cannot be destroyed. The Jew is as everlasting as is eternity itself.”
[ Leo Tolstoy ]

“This is why, as a Prime Minister of Israel, I can promise you one more thing: Even if Israel has to stand alone, Israel will stand.”
[ Benjamin Netanyahu ]

“We can forgive the Arabs for killing our children. We cannot forgive them for forcing us to kill their children. We will only have peace with the Arabs when they love their children more than they hate us.”
[ Golda Meir ]

“We hate war. We do not rejoice in victories. We rejoice when a new kind of cotton is grown, and when strawberries bloom in Israel.”
[ Golda Meir ]

“You cannot negotiate peace with someone who has come to kill you.”
[ Golda Meir ]

“If the Arabs put down their weapons today, there would be no more war. If Israel put down her weapons, there would be no more Israel.”
[ Benjamin Netanyahu ]

“Look, we have existed for 4,000 years – 2,000 years in diaspora, in exile. Nobody in the Middle East speaks their original language but Israel. When we started 64 years ago, we were 650,000 people. So, you know, we are maybe swimming a little bit against the stream, but we continue to swim.”
[ Shimon Peres ]

“I stand with Israel… As someone who dreams of that giant is really sky and the hum of Hebrew like a love letter in our innermost self. As someone who believes not only in the Promised Land but all of the promise it still holds today. And for Israel, like you do, because I believe the words of Hatikvah, ‘We have not yet abandoned hope’ and we will never abandon hope. We’re Jews; hope is all we have. It’s all we’ve ever had.”
[ Rabbi Benjamin David. ]

“I know that Israel does not stand alone. I know that America stands with Israel.”
[ Benjamin Netanyahu ]

“The world Will be liberated by our freedom, enriched by our wealth, magnified by our greatness. And whatever we have Temp there for our own benefit will resound mightily and beneficially to the good of all mankind.”
[ Theodor Herzl ]

“If anyone thinks that Jews can steal the land of their fathers, he is deceiving either himself or others.”
[ Theodor Herzl ]

“The Jews are gods chosen people. We cannot place ourselves in opposition to Israel without detriment to ourselves.”
[ Billy Graham ]

“This Country exists as the fulfillment of a promise made by God Himself. It would be ridiculous to ask it to account for its legitimacy.”
[ Golda Meir ]

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
“May those who love you be secure.
May there be peace within your walls
and security within your citadels.”
For the sake of my family and friends,
I will say, “Peace be within you.”
For the sake of the house of the Lord our God,
I will seek your prosperity.”
[ King David (Psalm 122:6-9) ]

“Life is eternity’s sunrise.”
[ Mark Besh ]

RELATED SCRIPTURE VERSES:

Stand With Israel:
https://www.openbible.info/topics/stand_with_israel

State of Israel:
https://www.openbible.info/topics/state_of_israel

Israel Wars:
https://www.openbible.info/topics/israel_wars

Prophetic Wars:
https://www.openbible.info/topics/prophetic_wars

Antisemitism:
https://www.openbible.info/topics/antisemitism

Tribulation:
https://www.openbible.info/topics/tribulation

Armageddon:
https://www.openbible.info/topics/armageddon

Second Coming:
https://www.openbible.info/topics/second_coming

Spiritual Battle:
https://www.openbible.info/topics/spiritual_battle

Millennium:
https://www.openbible.info/topics/millennium

God Loves Israel:
https://www.openbible.info/topics/god_loves_israel

Chosen People:
https://www.openbible.info/topics/chosen_people

Blessed Hope:
https://www.openbible.info/topics/blessed_hope

“A quick summary of the Christian “Gospel”:
JESUS’ PROPITIATION made our SINS FORGIVEN and IMPUTED RIGHTEOUSNESS to us so that we have GOD’S ACCEPTANCE into His Heaven and receive ETERNAL LIFE.”
[ Mark Besh ]

Hope you enjoyed some of these insights—share them with your friends and colleagues—so we can have a larger ’pool’ to receive from, and more to share with! Also, remember to include your name as the “source,” if some of this wisdom is of your doing. I would like to give credit where credit is due!

<<< FOCUS VERSES >>>

“I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”
[ Genesis 12:2-3 ]

“On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your offspring I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates.”
[ Genesis 15:18 ]

“I will multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and will give to your offspring all these lands. And in your offspring, all the nations of the earth shall be blessed,
[ Genesis 26:4 ]

“I am the Lord, the God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac. The land on which you lie I will give to you and to your offspring.”
[ Genesis 28:13 ]

“You are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be His people, His treasured possession.”
[ Deuteronomy 7:6 ]

“And I will appoint a place for my people Israel and will plant them, that they may dwell in their own place and be disturbed no more.”
[ 1 Chronicles 17:9 ]

“They shall prosper that love you.” [Israel]
[ Psalm 122:6 ]

“Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways.”
[ Proverbs 3:31 ]

“In that day the Lord will extend his hand yet a second time to recover the remnant that remains of his people, from Assyria, from Egypt, from Pathros, from Cush, from Elam, from Shinar, from Hamath, and from the coastlands of the sea. He will raise a signal for the nations and will assemble the banished of Israel, and gather the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.”
[ Isaiah 11:11-12 ]

“When the earth experiences God’s judgments, the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness.”
[ Isaiah 26:9 ]

“But Israel will be saved by the Lord with an everlasting salvation; you will never be put to shame or disgraced, to ages everlasting.”
[ Isaiah 45:17 ]

“You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will be glorified.”
[ Isaiah 49:3 ]

“I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.”
[ Isaiah 49:6b ]

“Who has heard such a thing? Who has seen such things? Shall a land be born in one day? Shall a nation be brought forth in one moment?”
[ Isaiah 66:8 ]

“I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore, I have continued my faithfulness to you.”
[ Jeremiah 31:3b-c ]

“The whole earth will rejoice when I make you [Mount Seir] (the Arab confederacy) desolate.”
[ Ezekiel 35:14 ]

“Surely, I will take the children of Israel from among the nations wherever they have gone and will gather them from every side and bring them into their own land.”
[ Ezekiel 37:21 ]

“Will show My greatness and My holiness and make Myself known in the eyes of many nations. Then they will know that I am the Lord.”
[ Ezekiel 38:23 ]

“And my holy name I will make known in the midst of my people Israel, and I will not let my holy name be profaned anymore. And the nations shall know that I am the Lord, the Holy One in Israel.”
[ Ezekiel 39:7 ]

“Now I will restore the fortunes of Jacob and have mercy on the whole house of Israel, and I will be jealous for My holy name.”
[ Ezekiel 39:25b ]

“Roar from Zion and thunder from Jerusalem; the earth and the Heavens will tremble. But the LORD will be a refuge for His people, a stronghold for the people of Israel.”
[ Joel 3:16 ]

“You only have I chosen of all the families of the earth;”
[ Amos 3:2a ]

“I will plant Israel in their own land, never again to be uprooted from the land I have given them,” says the Lord your God.”
[ Amos 9:15 ]

“You crushed the head of the house of the wicked, laying him bare from thigh to neck.”
[ Habakkuk 3:13 ]

“Very jealous for Jerusalem and Zion.”
[ Zechariah 1:14; 8:2a ]

“Will return to Jerusalem with mercy, and there My house will be rebuilt.” [ Zechariah 1:16b ]

“For thus said the Lord of hosts, after his glory sent me to the nations who plundered you, for he who touches you touches the apple of his eye.”
[ Zechariah 2:8 ]

“In that day a fountain shall be opened for the house of David and for the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for sin and for uncleanness.”
[ Zechariah 13:1 ]

“The Lord will be King over all the earth. On that day the Lord will be one and His name one.”
[ Zechariah 14:9 ]

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
[ Mathew 5:9 ]

“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.”
[ Matthew 7:13-14 ]

“The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken. Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in Heaven.”
[ Matthew 24:29-30a ]

“Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door.”
[ Matthew 24:33 ]

“You know when this happens, this is going to begin the generation that’s going to see all these things come to pass.”
[ Matthew 24:34 ]

“Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.”
[ Luke 21:24b ]

“When you see these things happen look up your redemption draws nigh.”
[ Luke 21:28 ]

“Who then is the faithful and sensible steward, whom his master will put in charge of his servants, to give them their rations at the proper time? Blessed is that slave whom his master finds so doing when he comes. Truly I say to you that he will put him in charge of all his possessions.”
[ Luke 12:42-44 ]

“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.”
[ John 1:12 ]

“Salvation is of the Jews.”
[ John 4:22c ]

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”
[ John 10:27 ]

“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.”
[ John 5:24 ]

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.”
[ John 10:27-28 ]

“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
[ John 14:27 ]

“You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.”
[ John 15:16a ]

“Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you”/ “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you.”
[ John 16:7; 13-14 ]

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world”
[ John 16:33 ]

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved.”
[ Acts 16:31 ]

“For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”

“Remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you.”
[ Romans 11:18 ]

“The fullness of the Gentiles is completed, all Israel will be saved.”
[ Romans 11:25d ]

“The Deliverer will come from Zion, he will banish ungodliness from Jacob”; “and this will be my covenant with them when I take away their sins.”
[ Romans 11:27 ]

“The hour has come for you to wake from sleep for salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.”
[ Romans 13:11-12 ]

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope.”
[ Romans 15:13 ]

“For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual blessings, they ought also to minister to them [Jews] in material blessings.”
[ Romans 15:27b-c ]

“God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.”
[ 2 Corinthians 5:21 ]

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
[ Philippians 4:7 ]

“delivers us from the wrath to come.”
[ 1 Thessalonians 1:10c ]

“For the Lord Himself will descend from Heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.”
[ 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 ]

“He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God.”
[ 2 Thessalonians 2:4 ]

“The coming of the Lord is at hand.”
[ James 5:8 ]

“With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.”
[ 2 Peter 3:8 ]

“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”
[ 2 Peter 3:9 ]

“Look, He is coming with the clouds,” and “every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him”; and all peoples on earth “will mourn because of Him.”
[ Revelation 1:7 ]

“Then the kings of the earth, the princes, the generals, the rich, the mighty, and everyone else, both slave and free, hid in caves and among the rocks of the mountains. They called to the mountains and the rocks, ‘Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can withstand it?’”
[ Revelation 6:15-17 ]

“Go abroad to the kings of the whole world, to assemble them for battle on the great day of God the Almighty… And they assembled them at the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon.”
[ Revelation 16:14, 16 ]

“I, Jesus… am the root and the descendent of David, the bright and morning star.”
[ Revelation 22:16 ]

If you have a ‘neat’ story or some thoughts about an issue or current event that you would like me to try to respond to, I would be glad to give it a try…so, send them to me at: mbesh@comcast.net

Disclaimer: All the above jokes and inspirations are obtained from various sources and copyright is used when known. Other than our name and headers, we do not own the copyright to any of the materials sent to this list. We just want to spread the ministry of God’s love and cheerfulness throughout the world.

Mark

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