Rapture or Rupture

June 17, 2025 10:42 am / 8 Comments on Rapture or Rupture

For immediate posting

Author’s note: Events we are witnessing revolving around God’s chosen nation, Israel, speaks to my spirit in ways I’ve not sensed to this point. Christ’s call to His Church must be very near indeed.

It is time as never before to look up and lift up our heads, for our redemption (the Lord Jesus Christ) is drawing near. He is, I believe, on the very cusp of stepping out onto the clouds of Glory to call to Himself all believers of this Church Age–those alive and those who have already passed into His presence.

I heard again this week an interview between Scottish Christian broadcaster Sheila Walsh and Dr. David Jeremiah regarding the Rapture. This and the likely prophetic import of things happening surrounding Israel prompted me to again post this article, which was previously posted January 3, 2022.

Rapture or Rupture

Twenty something years ago, Pat Robertson was on his network, Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN). I remember him saying in an almost amused, mocking tone that there would be no Rapture of the church. He declared that if that were to happen, it would completely disrupt all of the human condition across the world.

Planes would be crashing, cars would be wrecking, trains would run wild, and destruction of every sort would take place in such a moment. That’s not going to happen, he said. There will be no Rapture. He implied rather that there will be a “rupture” of all culture and society across the world. The Tribulation would be the implosion that wrecks everything, rather than the explosion a so-called Rapture would cause.

I remember distinctly Pat talking with his then co-host Sheila Walsh, the Scottish Christian broadcaster. As a side note, I presume Sheila has since moved on from agreeing with Mr. Robertson and his dismissing the pre-Trib Rapture “theory,” as he called it. I’ve heard her just within the past year on air with Dr. David Jeremiah, who teaches solidly on the pre-Trib Rapture of the church. She seemed to agree totally with all he said on the prophetic topic.

Over the years, there has been banter coming from those who adamantly hold that the pre-Trib Rapture is a myth. These sometimes use the word “rupture” to sneer at the idea of a Rapture, which we believe is Bible truth as taught by the Apostle Paul—and, by the way, by the Lord Jesus as well. He said the following as recorded by the Apostle John.

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (John 14:1–3)

In these words of the Lord we are told, I’m convinced, the same as the Apostle Paul foretells.

For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17)

For all the fun-making against pre-Trib Rapture and those of us who believe it to be the next catastrophic intervention by Christ into human affairs, they can’t erase these powerful promises. That is, they can’t without spiritualizing and allegorizing as they make their case. They have to conclude that neither Jesus nor Paul meant what they said in a literal sense.

There is, however, a biblically prophetic passage that speaks, I believe, of a rupture. It is a key prophecy that will take place immediately after the Rapture of the Church. As a matter of fact, we’ve seen this rupture beginning for some time. It will be the tear in the fabric of this world system that will rip civilization the way Mr. Robertson once feared.

The prophet Zechariah forewarned of this coming rupture.

And 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)

The prophet is saying here that when the world takes on Jerusalem and Israel–God’s chosen city and nation—it will be a load too heavy to lift. They will be injured severely, or ruptured, in their attempt to remove the city and nation from being in the place where God put them.

We’ve seen almost daily leaders from countries surrounding modern Israel declaring they will destroy the tiny Jewish state. Those such as Nasser and Sadat have tried to do so. Israel not only remains, but is now in a stronger position than ever, even though constantly threatened.

Antichrist and his juggernaut will finally manage to invade Israel, following all of Israel’s surrounding enemies being destroyed in the Gog-Magog attack of Ezekiel 38 and 39. But the man of sin will, too, be severely injured and ultimately bound in chains and removed to eternal punishment. Israel will become the chief nation of the entire world during the Millennium—Christ’s thousand-year reign on planet earth.

Thankfully, all who accept Christ now, this side of the Rapture, will not endure the rupture the whole world will suffer when God again begins dealing with His chosen people, the Jews.

Here again is how to avoid being part of that future injury—that rupture—that will condemn the soul to eternity apart from God.

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (Romans 10:9–10)

HOW TO BE SAVED AFTER THE RAPTURE

June 16, 2025 2:18 pm / 3 Comments on HOW TO BE SAVED AFTER THE RAPTURE

A Concise Handbook for Spiritual Survival During the Tribulation

By Roy R. Reeves

Book review by Terry James

Readers will be delightfully surprised, I think, to see just how readable and understandable, and woven into a brief presentation, is this book on what can be a complicated prophetic matter.

Roy Reeves has the gift of powerfully yet simply addressing questions we who deal with prophetic matters from the pre-Trib view have been asked over the years. I am most pleased to offer, with my full endorsement, this book to all who have such questions.

How to Be Saved after the Rapture: A Concise Handbook for Spiritual Survival During the Tribulation was written first and foremost for unsaved individuals still on earth after the Rapture. However, it is also for pre-Rapture readers who can benefit from the concepts being presented. The book aims to:

Show that the Bible provides an opportunity for people to be saved during the Tribulation.
Discuss what they must do to obtain salvation.
Explore the challenges to being saved after the Rapture and elaborate on how to deal with the trials saved persons will then face.

The book is written with simplicity of language so that it can be read in a short time by people under the duress of the Antichrist’s oppressive rule. Concepts are presented in a manner that doesn’t require any theological or church background for understanding. Thus, it is hoped the ideas addressed can be quickly understood even by those with little knowledge of Scripture and limited time for study.

The book begins by describing what happens with the Rapture, what it all means, and the dire conditions that result. Since many people left on earth will probably feel salvation is impossible, the next section demonstrates clearly from Scripture that people not only can be saved, but millions will be—even during the Tribulation. With that fact established, the basics of what a person must do to be saved are then presented. Subsequent attention is given to the danger of false salvation. During the Tribulation, deception will be intense, and the reader is warned to trust solely in salvation by the only Way to God: the Lord Jesus Christ. A chapter is then devoted to how to know conclusively that one has truly been saved.

The book then turns to what the saved person needs to do next and elaborates on the difficulties associated with this. Discussion entails the risks of walking out one’s salvation during the time of the Antichrist, but also the necessity and rewards of doing so. Finally, the book reveals that there is true hope and a glorious eternity for those who are saved and endure. No matter how bad things get, the glory of Heaven makes any amount of suffering trivial compared to what awaits those who follow the Lord.

After the concluding chapter, appendices for pre-Rapture readers are provided. These discuss what individuals should be doing now and neutrally explore controversial ideas about exactly who will remain on earth after the Rapture. A list of other resources for those left behind is also included.

Again, I wholeheartedly give my full endorsement on this book, which is a volume most important for these closing hours of the Church Age.

This little book will be excellent to hand to lost friends, to your saved friends to use as witnessing tools, and to place in advantageous places for those who will be left behind when the Great Event happens.

How to Be Saved after the Rapture: A Concise Handbook for Spiritual Survival During the Tribulation

Author: Roy R. Reeves

Publisher: Trilogy Christian Publishers

ISBN: 979-8-89597-356-1

The book can be ordered from Amazon at this link: How to Be Saved after the Rapture

However Positive, God’s Golden Age Will Not Come About Through Efforts Made In Washington D.C. :: By Jan Markell

March 26, 2025 1:35 pm / 6 Comments on However Positive, God’s Golden Age Will Not Come About Through Efforts Made In Washington D.C. :: By Jan Markell

If you listen to conservative media—which I do, by the way, and appreciate much of it—we are entering a “golden age.” Those who understand the concept of the Millennial reign of Jesus Christ realize that it is the true golden age. But, that is not what the news analysts are referring to!

Their perspective is that the dumpster fire of the previous administration, who thought about evil continually, is in the rearview mirror. Righteous people didn’t think they could be shocked and re-shocked with the debauchery of the left, but each day’s rundown of offenses were worse than the previous. When you have a Romans 1 mentality, you just think evil continually.

The leftist cabal had been drowning in evil and when voted out of office, they received an appropriate smackdown. But they are by no means on permanent hold. They are licking their wounds. They are plotting and scheming and planning a comeback. But in the meantime, at least in Washington D.C., they have some appropriate chains on and they have some restrictions.

Hundreds of evil outfits are being shut down through the efforts of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Yes, Elon Musk has troubling aspirations that include brain chips that sound Tribulationesque, and no watcher of the times is ignoring these things.

So, Is God’s End-Time Agenda on Hold?

So, is this a respite? Maybe a reprieve? Has Satan’s agenda been put on hold? Is the rapture now on hold? Do you think that the globalists are going to relax and willingly turn their agenda over to President Donald Trump? Do you think that Klaus Schwab & Associates plan to take a four year hiatus and go quietly into the night? Do you think that Yuval Noah Harari will fade away because he acknowledged that a Trump victory would be the “end of the global order?”

To all of the above, a resounding no way!

Let’s always remember that God’s agenda never pauses. It is never on hold. If we think He is not acting— that He is not raising the curtain on the last act—it is only because He wants more to be saved. He doesn’t employ stall tactics.

God’s plan of the ages began before time began. It is never early. It is never late. It is always right on time. The “birth pang” markers we are to watch for have not diminished! North Carolina hurricane destruction was a recordsetter. Los Angeles fire destruction was unprecedented in modern history. They were warnings that time is running out.

The Powerbroker’s Goal Is Still One World

I appreciate similar thoughts by author and commentator Jonathan Brentner who states, “While it might be tempting to think there’s been a pause in the mad rush of events leading up to the start of the Tribulation period, the elite powerbrokers of our world remain busy. They are working behind the scenes to quickly set the stage for when they can openly enslave the world under their domain.”

Brentner additionally says, “It’s tempting to think that way. I have found myself wondering if perhaps there’s been a pause in the parade of events leading to Jesus’ soon appearing. However, two thoughts bring me back to reality.

“First, I remember Jesus’ assertion that the fulfillment of Bible prophecy will happen at the time sovereignly set by the Father (Matthew 24:36; Acts 1:7). God knows the precise time when He will send His Son to get His Bride and bring her to glory. He already took into consideration all that we see happening today, when He long ago set the time of our departure from this world.

“Second, I’m aware that a strong undercurrent in world affairs remains, which after the rapture will directly lead to the Antichrist’s covenant with Israel, which will mark the beginning of the sevenyear Tribulation for the world. The lawlessness of those who seek to destroy our nation remains on full display.”

Brentner concludes, “So, does that mean that world events are accelerating toward Jesus’ appearing? I prefer to put it this way: the stage-setting for the future oneworld government has not ceased or slowed down in any way.”

“In the Last Days, Evil Will Wax Worse and Worse”

Evil never takes a break. It never re-groups. It never gathers in a huddle to plot and scheme. It just keeps charging forward. It says in II Timothy 3:13 that “evil waxes worse and worse.” And it has escalated exponentially since October 7, 2023, when Hamas invaded southern Israel and perpetrated genocide on Israel.

In March, Islamic radicals stormed through Syria, wiping out religious minorities, including Christians. The same is happening in parts of Africa.

Most often the targets are “people of the book”—Jews and Christians. This is a sure sign that we are not in any kind of “golden age.” The people in Ukraine have no “golden age.” Nor do the targets of Haitian gangs, nor victims of Islamic terror in parts of Europe who believe in open borders.

Further evidence is that following the October 7 slaughter, the world cheered for Hamas. What a perfect illustration of evil being called good (Is. 5:20); of an upside-down world under the sway of the evil one.

God’s Golden Age

We are all thankful for the many actions of the new administration to rein in evil, waste and corruption! But even better news than this is that God has given us a wonderful promise: Jesus is preparing a place for us and will take us there to be with him forever: “In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And when I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way where I am going.” (John 14:2-4)

After that seven-year time period, we return to a golden age back on earth—the Millennium. It’s not perfection, but it’s good enough to be called a golden age. Kids can play near snakes and the animal kingdom even loves one another.

So, get excited when there is talk about a coming “golden age,” but keep it in the right context and in its rightful place in prophecy. It doesn’t come about through any efforts in Washington, D.C. Rather, thanks to the Hand of God, in His timing.

Jan Markell is an author, speaker, host of Understanding the Times radio heard on over 1,000 stations across America, and the Founder and President of Olive Tree Ministries.

Zechariah 12: The War Before Armageddon – By Bill Salus

March 1, 2025 8:49 am / 1 Comment on Zechariah 12: The War Before Armageddon – By Bill Salus

The overwhelming vast majority of conservative Bible teachers strongly believe that the war in Zechariah 12 will take place at Armageddon when all the nations of the earth come to attack Israel. Then, as per Zechariah 14 and Revelation 19, the Lord single-handedly destroys these invading armies. However, every Bible translation of Zechariah 12 has Israel, with the help of the Lord, militarily defeating all the peoples that came to attack them.

The Zechariah 12 war happens in the future when the Arab nations sharing common borders with Israel besiege Jerusalem and Judah. These invaders are soundly defeated by Israel’s military with the Lord’s help.

Conversely, the war of Armageddon in Zechariah 14 is a totally separate war that takes place subsequently when all the nations of the earth with their armies attack only the city of Jerusalem. In this siege, they successfully capture half the city, which leaves Israel in a completely defenseless situation. Thus, the Lord steps in, and He personally defeats all the world armies in Revelation 19:15-21.

The primary purpose of this in-depth Bible prophecy study is to show that Zechariah 12:1-9 IS NOT dealing with ARMAGEDDON but IS dealing with the conclusion of the ARAB-ISRAELI CONFLICT. This conflict is the topic explored at the end of this article.

The Separate War of Zechariah 12:1-9

The three verses below mostly explain what happens in the Zechariah 12 war.

“Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of drunkenness to all the surrounding peoples, when they lay siege against Judah and Jerusalem” (Zech. 12:2).

“’In that day,’ says the Lord, ‘I will strike every horse with confusion, and its rider with madness; I will open My eyes on the house of Judah, and will strike every horse of the peoples with blindness’” (Zech. 12:4).

“In that day I will make the governors of JUDAH like a firepan in the woodpile, and like a fiery torch in the sheaves; THEY shall DEVOUR all the SURROUNDING PEOPLES on the right hand and on the left, but Jerusalem shall be inhabited again in her own place—Jerusalem” (Zech. 12:6, NKJV; emphasis added).

In Zech. 12:2, the surrounding people lay siege on Judah and Jerusalem. In Zech. 12:4, the Lord divinely intervenes to level the playing field. Zech. 12:6 points out that after the Lord intervenes, Israel decisively defeats the surrounding peoples.

The key to understanding this separate war is to recognize that these verses above only identify “the surrounding peoples on the right hand and on the left hand” of Israel. This is in contrast to “all the nations” of the world that are included in the Armageddon Campaign in Zechariah 14:2 and elsewhere.

All Bible translations of Zech. 12:2 clearly identify only the neighboring nations that share common borders with Israel. A few examples are included below.

“cup of drunkenness to all the surrounding peoples” (NKJV)

“cup of reeling unto all the peoples round about” (ASV)

“cup brings dizziness to all the surrounding nations” (NET)

“cup that sends all the surrounding peoples reeling” (NIV)

“intoxicating drink that makes the nearby nations stagger” (NLT)

“cup of poison to the nations around her” (NCV)

The Hebrew word that identifies these peoples round about Israel is “Sabib,” and it means, “On every side, places round about, round about in a circuit, in the circuit from every side, a circle, a neighbor, or within all the confines of its border.” This word is used in both Zech. 12:2 and 6 to single out the Arab states that border Israel.

One of the first uses of this word in the Bible makes this clear in the verse below.

“And the field of Ephron which was in Machpelah, which was before Mamre, the field, and the cave which was therein, and all the trees that were in the field, that were in (Sabib), all the borders round about,” were made sure” (Genesis 23:17, KJV; emphasis added).

No part of Zechariah 12 appears to prophesy about the Armageddon Campaign, but for centuries, and even continuing today, most all commentaries connect Armageddon with Zechariah 12.

Here are important questions for those who teach the war in Zechariah 12 is part of the Armageddon scenario.

1.) If Zechariah 12 involves “all the nations of the earth,” why are there no Bible translations that have “all the nations of the earth” besieging Jerusalem in Zech. 12:2?

2.) Similarly, why are there no Bible translations that have “all the nations of the earth” identified in Zech 12:6, whereby the IDF defeats only the surrounding peoples on Israel’s “right hand and on the left?”

3.) If Zechariah 12 takes place at Armageddon, do you believe that in the Armageddon scenario, the Lord will divinely intervene (Zech. 12:4) and empower the IDF (Zech. 12:6) to militarily defeat the Antichrist and “all the nations of the earth?”

4.) Many Bible teachers believe that America will be among all the nations of the earth that will attack Jerusalem at Armageddon. Do you think that, as per Zech 12:6, the IDF will soundly defeat America at Armageddon?

5.) According to Zech. 13:8-9, only one-third of the Jews will survive the Jewish genocide of the Antichrist. These killings happen around the same time as the Armageddon campaign. This remnant will likely become refugees fleeing for their survival. Do you think that Israel’s army at this time will be able to defeat “all the nations of the earth,” including the USA and China (the Kings of the East)?

6.) How can Zechariah 12:2,4-9, whereby the Lord divinely assists and empowers the IDF to defeat the peoples surrounding Israel, actually take place at Armageddon, if according to Zechariah 14, Isaiah 63 and Revelation 19, the Lord HIMSELF, at Armageddon without any IDF help, defeats “all the nations of the earth?”

Comparing the Wars of Zechariah 12:1-9 and Zechariah 14:1-3

“Behold, the day of the Lord is coming, And your spoil will be divided in your midst. For I will gather all the nations to battle against Jerusalem; The city shall be taken, The houses rifled, And the women ravished. Half of the city shall go into captivity, But the remnant of the people shall not be cut off from the city. Then the Lord will go forth And fight against those nations, As He fights in the day of battle” (Zech. 14:1-3).

The passage above declares the Lord will gather all nations to battle against Jerusalem. These international armies wage a highly SUCCESSFUL SIEGE against the Holy City, “the city shall be taken.”

In this scenario, Jerusalem does not become a cup of trembling to the surrounding Arab states, nor to the invading world armies. If anything trembles, it’s the Jews as they witness the ransacking of their houses and the raping of their women. Moreover, capturing Jerusalem is no longer impeded by a burdensome, immovable stone but is easily conquered.

I mention this point because Zechariah 12:3 likens Jerusalem to an immovable rock, “on that day” when God turns Jerusalem into a cup of trembling.

“On that day I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock. All the nations will gather against it to try to move it, but they will only hurt themselves” (Zechariah 12:3, NLT).

Because this verse says, “all the nations,” the tendency of many has been to connect this with “all the nations” in Zechariah 14:2 and Armageddon. The potential problems with this are:

In Zech. 14:2, there is no immovable stone creating an obstacle to the capturing of Jerusalem.
Zech. 12:3 happens “on that day” that Israel in Zech. 12:6successfully fends off the siege of the surrounding Arab states and not at Armageddon.

Subsequent to this successful conquest of Jerusalem in Zech 14:2, Jesus Christ single-handedly defeats the Antichrist and his armies in fulfillment of Rev 19:11-21. The differences between the Zech. 12:2-6 siege against Jerusalem is starkly different than the one in Zech. 14:2-3. The comparisons are below.

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*Pre-Tribulation timing is because in the first 3 ½ years of the Tribulation Period, Israel is living peacefully as a result of the covenant in Daniel 9:27. Dwelling in this condition, they are not likely at war with the surrounding nations. Then in the second 3 ½ years of the Tribulation Period, the Jews are fleeing from the genocidal attempt of the Antichrist and unable to make war with the surrounding peoples. This timing sequence is explained in more detail in my FUTURE WAR Prophecies book.

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Comparing the Wars of Zechariah 12:1-9 and Revelation 16:12-16

Revelation 16:12-16 deals with the events that occur within the Sixth Bowl Judgment, which happens toward the latter part of the Seven-Year Tribulation Period. The details are summarized below.

“Then the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, so that the way of the kings from the east might be prepared” (Rev. 16:12).

In this bowl judgment, the kings of the east make their way to the Middle East by crossing over a dried-up Euphrates River. These eastern kings are commonly taught to be the leaders from China and other Asian nations. They, along with many other world leaders, are persuaded by three powerful demonic beings to gather together for a final war against God, which is referred to as “the battle of that great day of God Almighty.”

“For they (three frog-like beings) are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty” (Rev. 16:14; emphasis added).

“And they gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon” (Rev. 16:16).

The differences between Zech. 12:2-6 and Rev. 16:12-16 are identified below. These comparisons strongly suggest that these are two distinctly different wars.

Comparing the Wars of Zechariah 12:1-9 and Revelation 19:19-21

Thus far, I have demonstrated the stark contrasts between Zech. 12 and Zech. 14 and also between Zech. 12 and Rev. 16. Now I’ll attempt to disconnect Zech. 12 from Rev. 19.

“And I saw the beast [the Antichrist], the kings of the earth, and their [international] armies, gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army. Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone. And the rest were killed with the sword which proceeded from the mouth of Him [Jesus Christ], who sat on the horse. And all the birds were filled with their flesh” (Rev. 19:19-21, NKJV; emphasis added).

Other Comparative Arguments

So it seems to be strike one, two and three for a strikeout on the potential of Zechariah 14, Revelation 16, Revelation 19 to connect with Zechariah 12:1-9. However, there are a few more questions to answer to safely suggest that Zechariah 12 is not part of Armageddon.

Zechariah 12:9mentions “all the nations”; doesn’t that identify “all the nations” that gather together for the Armageddon scenario?
Zechariah 12:3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11informs the events happen “In that day”; isn’t that alluding to “The Day of the Lord” that takes place at Armageddon?
If Zechariah 12:10-14is fulfilled early on in the Millennium, then why wouldn’t Zech. 12:2-9, happen just prior at Armageddon?

My answers to these three questions are provided at this link.

How Psalm 83 Connects with Zechariah 12

Could this war in Zechariah 12:2-9, in which the Lord supernaturally empowers the IDF to fight and achieve a decisive military victory over the neighboring people surrounding Israel, be the result of the answered imprecatory prayer of Asaph in Psalm 83?

Zechariah 12:1-9 seems to tell us how the Arab-Israeli conflict ends. This will not happen politically, but rather, it will conclude militarily. The surrounding Arab states, alongside the Palestinians, will make a final attempt to wipe Israel off the map and take over Judah and Jerusalem. It will be an unsuccessful siege that the IDF will decisively defeat.

These surrounding peoples are identified in the prophecy of Psalm 83 and many other scriptures. The central theme within the Psalm is the intent by these Arabs to destroy Israel so thoroughly that even the name of Israel would be forgotten forever.

“’Come,’ they say, ‘let us wipe out Israel as a nation. We will destroy the very memory of its existence’” (Psalm 83:4, NLT).

They seek to possess Jerusalem, Judah, and all of Israel.

“For they said, ‘Let us seize for our own use these pasturelands of God’” (Psalm 83:12, NLT).

These belligerents are identified in my book and companion DVD entitled The FUTURE WAR Prophecies. Also available to read for free online is my article entitled “God Helps Israel Defeat the Arab Armies: (Zechariah 12:1-6).” This article presents a good commentary on Zechariah 12:1-6.

Some teach Psalm 83 is simply a prayer, but below are a couple of quotes from respected theologians that rebut this idea.

John Peter Lange is a well-respected theologian and the author of the Lange Commentary on the Holy Scripture, which was published in 1877. He points out that those combined against Israel are never mentioned elsewhere as enemies allied at the same time and for the purpose of annihilating Israel. Lange notes:

“With regard to the time of composition, the following difficulty meets us. The ten nations who are here enumerated as being combined against Israel are never mentioned elsewhere as enemies allied at the same time and for the purpose of annihilating Israel.”

In addition, Lange notes there were some individuals during his time who taught that the Psalm was just a general idea about enemies from all sides of Israel. However, Lange believed that the details found in Psalm 83:8 were unfavorable to this view. Here is how he explains it:

“And yet the expressions are of such a nature that we cannot be inclined to consider this enumeration as only a poetical individualizing of the general idea: enemies from all sides (De Wette, Hupfeld). The position of Assyria as an auxiliary of the sons of Lot, that is, of the Moabites and Ammonites, is especially unfavorable to this view.”

Psalm 83:8 points out that Assyria, one of the ten confederate members, actively helps “the children of Lot” in this war prophecy. In modernity, Assyria represents Syria and Iraq; and Lot’s children, who were Ammon and Moab, are Jordan today.

“Assyria also has joined with them; They have helped the children of Lot. Selah” (Psalm 83:8, NKJV).

The next commentary on Psalm 83 below is from Bible scholar Merrill F. Unger, who was a professor of Old Testament Studies at Dallas Theological Seminary. The following words were published in his book in 2002 entitled Unger’s Commentary on the Old Testament on pages 866-867.

“This psalm is the last of the Asaph series (Psalms 73-83), of which prophetically glimpse Israel’s future trouble and deliverance into Kingdom blessing…. Probably its fulfillment will come in some pan-Arabic coalition and attack on the Israeli State before the church is taken out, or at least before Daniel’s seventieth week begins.”

Thus Psalm 83 and Zechariah 12 are seemingly related prophecies. By the time Zechariah 12:2-9 happens, the following prophecies should also happen concurrently or already have been fulfilled and none of these seem to be part of Armageddon:

Jeremiah 12:14-17,
Ezekiel 28:20-26,
Psalm 83 and the peripheral prophecies below.

IDF vs SYRIA (Isaiah 17:9, Jer. 49:23-27)
IDF vs HEZBOLLAH (LEBANON) (Psalm 83:7, Ezek. 28:20-24)
IDF vs PALESTINIANS (Obadiah 1:18, Ezek. 25:14, Psalm 83:6)
IDF vs HAMAS (GAZA) (Zeph 2:4, Ezek. 25:13-14, Psalm 83:7)
IDF vs JORDAN (Isaiah 11:14, Jer. 49:2, Ezek. 25:14)
IDF vs EGYPT (Isaiah 19:1-18, Psalm 83:6)
IDF vs SAUDI ARABIA (Ezek. 25:14, Jer. 49:8)
IDF vs HOSTILE NEIGHBORS (Zechariah 12:6, Ezek. 28:24-26)

I’ll conclude with a final quote from my dear friend, Dr. David Reagan, on Zechariah 12. David used to teach that Zechariah 12 was part of Armageddon, but after reading my teachings and doing his own extensive research now recognizes that it’s not likely part of Armageddon.

David Reagan, “The Wars of the End Times, Part 2.”

“The first the War of Israeli Extermination is described in Psalm 83. Psalm 83 states that the immediate neighbors of Israel will launch a war for the purpose of wiping out Israel as a nation…. The outcome of the war is not specifically stated in Psalm 83, but we know from other Scriptures that Israel will be victorious. For example, Zechariah 12:6 says, “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.” … “Bill Salus believes this war of annihilation will boomerang on the Arab nations and will result in their overwhelming defeat producing great territorial expansion, enhanced national resources for Israel, and yes, peace for Israel.””

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Prophetic Proof: Jerusalem and Judah Belong to the Jews – By Bill Salus

March 1, 2025 8:46 am / Leave a comment

This article will prove prophetically through Zechariah 12:1, as supported by a sequence of historically fulfilled foretold events, that Jerusalem and Judah belongs exclusively to the Jews. This article concludes with this proof.

Zechariah’s prophecies in chapter 12:1-9, foretell of a coming siege upon Judah and Jerusalem by the surrounding Arab states. Presently, these Arabs contest Israel’s rightful sovereign claims over Judah and Jerusalem. These Muslim countries believe that Jerusalem is Islam’s third holiest city and that Judah is under Jewish occupation, but actually belongs to the Palestinians. Ultimately, the Arabs will try to forcefully take over Judah and Jerusalem. Below is a brief overview of this future siege in Zechariah 12:2,4,6.

“Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem.” (Zechariah 12:2; KJV)

In that day, the Lord will intervene to prevent this. First, by making Jerusalem likened to a cup of trembling, dizziness or intoxication in some translations. This will initially stagger their efforts, but then secondly, they are hit with three heavy supernatural blows.

“In that day,” says the Lord, “I will strike every horse with confusion, and its rider with madness; I will open My eyes on the house of Judah, and will strike every horse of the peoples with blindness.” (Zech. 12:4)

Remember that when Zechariah wrote, the soldiers rode into battle upon horses, rather than flew in on fighter jets or drove military tanks. Therefore, I will translate these events into modern-day warfare concepts.

The LORD will level the field by the following three supernatural blows;

1. “I will strike every horse with confusion.” This suggests that debilitating malfunctions might occur within the Arab artilleries with their jets, tanks, weapons, transport vehicles, etc.

2. “I will strike every horse with confusion, and its rider with madness.” This implies that the military equipment malfunctions will cause panic and hysteria among the soldiers. By now Jerusalem will certainly become a cup of trembling to these Arab attackers.

3. “I will strike every horse of the peoples with blindness.” To top off the failed equipment, it seems that the military GPS guidance and radar systems also quit working.

Now, with the divine interventions above, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are able to decisively defeat the attackers.”

“In that day I will make the governors of JUDAH (IDF) like a firepan in the woodpile, and like a fiery torch in the sheaves; THEY shall DEVOUR all the SURROUNDING (Arab) PEOPLES on the right hand and on the left, but Jerusalem shall be inhabited again in her own place—Jerusalem.” (Zech. 12:6, NKJV; emphasis added)

This siege is unsuccessful! Key words are in bold font above to show that the attackers are from the surrounding Arab armies and not international armies. The world armies will subsequently make a siege upon Jerusalem in Zechariah 14:1-2 and it will succeed, but that is part of the Armageddon campaign and not the Arab siege.

For more details about both the Arab and subsequent Armageddon sieges read my articles entitled, “God Helps Israel Defeat the Arab Armies: (Zechariah 12:1-6),” and “Zechariah 12: The War Before Armageddon.”

Jerusalem and Judah Belong to the Jews

Now, it’s time to prove prophetically that Jerusalem and Judah both belong to the Jews. Zechariah 12:1 intentionally quotes from Isaiah 44:2 4-28. Isaiah prophesied between approximately 740-701 BC. Zechariah began his prophetic ministry about 200 years later in 520 BC.

“The burden of the word of the Lord against Israel. Thus says the Lord, who stretches out the heavens, lays the foundation of the earth, and forms the spirit of man within him.” (Zechariah 12:1)[i]

This sovereign declaration serves as the Lord’s certificate of authenticity concerning Zechariah’s prophecy. This acknowledgment was first made around 720 BC in Isaiah 44.

“Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, who formed you from the womb: (forms the spirit of man within him) “I am the LORD, Who made all things, who stretched out the heavens alone, who (lays the foundation and) spread out the earth—Who was with me. Who frustrates the signs of the babblers, And drives diviners mad; Who turns wise men backward, And makes their knowledge foolishness; Who confirms the word of His servant, And performs the counsel of His messengers; Who says to Jerusalem, ‘You shall be inhabited,’ To the cities of Judah, ‘You shall be built,’ And I will raise up her waste places; Who says to the deep, ‘Be dry! And I will dry up your rivers’; Who says of Cyrus, (King of Persia 600-530 BC) ‘He is My shepherd, And he shall perform all My pleasure, Saying to Jerusalem, “You shall be built,” And to the temple, “Your foundation shall be laid.”’ (Isaiah 44:24-28; emphasis added)

This Isaiah prophecy was issued over a century before Jerusalem was destroyed by the Babylonians around 586 BC. Isaiah essentially stated that, as sure as the Lord single-handedly stretches out the heavens and spreads abroad the earth, the Jews would rebuild Jerusalem and Judah.

Isaiah was clearly issuing a future prophecy because during his time, Jerusalem was inhabited and the cities of Judah had already been built. In essence, Isaiah anticipated the destruction of Jerusalem and Judah by the Babylonians and the subsequent need to restore it.

Isaiah 44:26 prophesied that Jerusalem would be inhabited with Jews and the cities of Judah would be rebuilt by Jews. Isaiah 44:28 proclaimed over 150 years in advance, that King Cyrus of Persia would issue the command for the restoration of Jerusalem and Judah.

In 539 BC the Persian King Cyrus conquered the Babylonians and according to Ezra 1:2-4, he immediately commanded the Jews to return to Israel to rebuild the Jewish Temple and restore the devastation in Judah.

“Thus says Cyrus king of Persia: All the kingdoms of the earth the Lord God of heaven has given me. And He has commanded me to build Him a house at Jerusalem which is in Judah. Who is among you of all His people, (the Jews)? May his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem which is in Judah, and build the house of the Lord God of Israel (He is God), which is in Jerusalem. And whoever is left in any place where he dwells, let the men of his place help him with silver and gold, with goods and livestock, besides the freewill offerings for the house of God which is in Jerusalem.” (Ezra 1:2-4, NKJV; emphasis added)

Zechariah’s generation served as the living fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy. His generation was the one that again re-inhabited Jerusalem and rebuilt the cities of Judah that the Babylonians had destroyed. Thus, his repeat declaration of Isaiah 44:24 is intended to leave no doubt that both Judah and Jerusalem were exclusively sovereign to the Jews.

PROPHECY fulfilled HISTORICALLY is the best PROOF AVAILABLE!

Zechariah 12:1, which called to remembrance Isaiah’s prophecy about King Cyrus, clearly declared that the Jews possessed God given sovereignty over all of Jerusalem and Judah. King Cyrus commanded the Jews, not the Arabs, to return to Israel and restore their homeland.

Zechariah 12:2 foretells that someday Israel’s rightful claims to these areas would be falsely and forcibly contested by the surrounding Arab peoples. They will attempt a final siege upon Judah and Jerusalem, which Zechariah 12:6 informs will end the Arab-Israeli conflict.

[i] Zechariah 12 verses are taken from the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

______________________________________________________________________

CLICK HERE TO ORDER A COPY OF THE FUTURE WAR PROPHECIES BOOK FOR $17.95 + S & H

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Prophecy from Your Pulpit? Book a Lamb & Lion Evangelist!

January 17, 2025 7:37 am / Leave a comment

Pastors, would you like to hold a Bible prophecy conference or service at your church this year?

Our mission at Lamb & Lion Ministries is to proclaim the soon return of Jesus Christ. We do not believe it is possible to know the date when He will return, but the signs of the times indicate that we are living in that season. And, we believe when Christians become excited about Jesus’ return, they embrace a tremendous hope that motivates them to holy living and evangelism. We love to energize the Church with this hope and do so in a number of different ways.

For one, we’re primarily a television evangelism ministry whose program Christ in Prophecy is aired all over the world. Two, we write a lot about Bible prophecy in our books, and our magazine and blog. Three, we attempt to connect the younger generations to the Gospel through our short-form videos and digital media. And, four, we travel all over the world preaching the hope of Christ’s return at church services, Bible conferences, Israel tours, and webinars.

Pastors, would you like to plan a Bible prophecy conference at your church? We can help! Our evangelists can fit such a conference into Sunday services, over a weekend, or across several nights during the week. And, we can adjust the topics to the specialized interests of your congregation.

Our ministry has four outstanding teachers and preachers. One is Tim Moore, our Senior Evangelist and the host of Christ in Prophecy, and the other is Nathan Jones, our Internet Evangelist and co-host. Our team has two additional evangelists, Dave Bowen and Vic Batista. Our evangelists can speak on a wide variety of prophetic topics and use extensive PowerPoint presentations when speaking.

We are a faith ministry, so we have no fees for our services. We expect only that the church will cover our expenses and provide a love offering to Lamb & Lion Ministries.

We’re looking forward to sharing with you what the Bible calls that “blessed hope” about the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. So please, pastors, contact us and we’ll work together to set up a Sunday service or Bible conference at your church. Maranatha!

Merry Christmas, and heartfelt Thanks on behalf of the Pakistan Effort!

December 26, 2024 5:52 pm / 1 Comment on Merry Christmas, and heartfelt Thanks on behalf of the Pakistan Effort!

Dear Brothers and Sisters who have so generously donated to reaching the people of Pakistan with your donations, thank you in the name of our Lord Jesus.

While I’m working to try and send personal thanks –a thing that will take time because of being blind and working with computer voice synthesis–I wanted meanwhile to send this Thank You in this way.

Again, you have reached out to the people of that land in such a loving and generous way that there is no way I can adequately express what that effort means.

I have no doubt, however, that our God Knows how to Express His Approval of such caring and will do so one Heavenly Day at the Judgment Seat of Christ.

Pastor Anil Jasper has sent the following to express his gratitude.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to All!

–Terry James

Dear Brother Terry James and Heavenly Supporters,

I strongly believe that you are enthusiastically working hard in the Lord’s vineyard to prepare souls for our glorious and blessed hope. I write to you with deep gratitude and a heart filled with thanks for your invaluable contribution toward the printing and distribution of Terry’s remarkable book, Prophecy Power.

On behalf of myself, my wife Jamila, my children and grandchildren, and the many people who will benefit from the message of this book, I want to express my sincere appreciation for the time, energy, and resources you have all generously invested in this project. Through your support, the powerful insights and prophetic wisdom shared within Prophecy Power will reach a wide audience, providing spiritual guidance, encouragement, and clarity in these challenging times.

Terry’s work is a beacon of truth, and your dedication to ensuring that this message is made available to so many is truly inspiring. I have no doubt that this book will touch lives, spark everlasting hope, and ignite a renewed passion for our Lord’s soon return and understanding among its readers.

Thank you for partnering with us in this kingdom work. Your efforts have made a lasting impact, and I pray that God blesses each one of you abundantly for your kindness and generosity.

May His peace continue to guide you in all that you do, and may you experience the fulfillment of His purposes in your lives.

With heartfelt thanks.

Your Brother,
Rev. Anil Jasper

The Jeremiah of Our Time

December 2, 2024 3:13 pm / 10 Comments on The Jeremiah of Our Time

by Jan Markell

I’m not waiting for the Antichrist. I’m waiting for Jesus Christ. And that is due, in part, to the ministry of Hal Lindsey. His books and television program carefully outlined Dispensational Theology, also called left behind theology—named after the famous book series.

As a young adult, I found life confusing until someone handed me a copy of The Late Great Planet Earth. After reading it in a day, followed by a trip to Israel, I could press on in life and enter the ministry. I would go on to devour dozens of books and follow solid Bible teachers who promoted eschatology or Bible prophecy.

Time Magazine called Hal Lindsey the Jeremiah of our time. His classic book sold 35 million copies, but other books and TV productions influenced millions more. I believe his two greatest contributions were his teaching that:

· Israel is the key to our past, present, and future. Most churches today marginalize this, focusing on church growth or are steeped in other theologies such as Amillennialism. Only Dispensationalism explains what the Bible teaches: The King is coming again, and Israel is the key to understanding this.

· As believers, we should be awaiting Jesus Christ, not the Antichrist. Millions are caught up in strange rapture-timing theologies that offer no blessed hope, which is taught in the Bible (Titus 2:13)! Jesus is coming at any minute. Only Dispensationalism explains the imminency of the Lord’s return with Israel as the centerpiece!

I brought Hal to the Twin Cities in 2004 and 2005. He told me at that time that it was his goal in the 1960s to write a book on the end times that was easy to understand. When his book appeared in 1970, the only books available were written by theologians and for theologians!

They were terrific, but the man on the street was lost.

Dwight Pentecost’s Things to Come was a classic back then, but it was 500 pages and way too scholarly. Without a seminary degree, readers were lost and frustrated.

Once Hal opened the door for end-time discussion, two- dozen writers followed him, including Chuck Missler, Tim LaHaye, Dave Hunt, Ron Rhodes, and many more. Publishers were eager to help readers understand how the last days played out. And how many of you were impacted by the Left Behind book series I referenced written by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins?

These topics have been discussed now for 23 years on Understanding the Times Radio. I am so thankful for the scholars who went before me, helping us non-scholars to understand these key theological issues and make sense of what is often senseless! The rise of lawlessness, the rush to globalism, the decline of character as outlined in II Timothy, and so much more as the birth pangs have exploded in recent years.

There is a run-up to the Tribulation and we are in it, but who knew before we learned from such incredible men? There is prophetic stage-setting, which is so prominent here at the end of the Church Age!

Pastors, please, with whatever time we have left before a trumpet sounds, teach your congregation these truths. The urgency of the hour demands it.

Find this outstanding summary of the life and effectiveness of Hal Lindsey here. Read testimonies from Ron Rhodes, Tom Hughes, David Jeremiah, Jonathan Brentner, and more.

https://harbingersdaily.com/forever-changed-hal-lindseys-eternal-impact-on-generations-of-trusted-ministries/

Hal Lindsey was a flawed human being like all of us, and I could slip in details, particularly of the eccentric man I featured twenty years ago here in the Twin Cities. I’d rather not. I just want to say thank you to him for opening my eyes.

I had no idea I was here on assignment to also help others in this last days’ countdown to the rapture of believers! And to help get many into the ark of salvation because when all is said and done, Jesus really is coming!

Perhaps today. Thank you, Hal, for encouraging me to prepare so many for this journey!

Prophecy Watchers Conference

November 30, 2024 1:40 pm / 3 Comments on Prophecy Watchers Conference

Terry James will be speaking at the Branson Christmas Prophecy Conference in Branson, Missouri on Saturday December 7, 2024 at 10 a.m.

We hope you will live stream the conference and join Terry in his session.

It will be titled: RAPTURE READY!

Below are some details of the conference and how to enjoy these many speakers and their exciting topics!

🎥 Can’t Make It to Branson? Live Stream Our Prophecy Conference from Anywhere!

Exciting news! The Branson Christmas Prophecy Conference is just around the corner and live streaming is NOW available! You can experience all the powerful teachings and prophetic insights from the comfort of your own home—or anywhere in the world.

🌟 Live Stream the Entire Conference!
Join us December 5th-8th as 22 renowned Bible prophecy teachers gather to explore the times we’re living in through the lens of Scripture. Even if you can’t attend in person, you won’t miss out on any session!

What You’ll Get:

📅 6 months of access after the conference! Rewatch your favorite sessions or catch any that you missed—anytime, anywhere.
🎤 Hear from top prophecy experts like L.A. Marzulli and Billy Crone as they deliver timely messages on God’s plan for the future.
💻 Watch live or on-demand at your convenience!

Whether you’re at home, on the go, or hosting a watch party, this is your chance to join the Prophecy Conference community wherever you are.

How to Sign Up:
👉 Simply visit Prophecy Watchers on Demand and reserve your spot today.

BONUS OFFER: Join the live stream and get access to 4 bonus messages:

Gary Stearman -Time Travelers of The Bible: Who’s Flying Those UFOs
L.A. Marzulli – Fatima Miracle of the Sun or a Harbinger of Deception
Billy Crone: UFOs: The Last Great Days Deception
LA Marzulli – In Their Own Words
Josh Peck Extradimensional UFOs

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to deepen your understanding of God’s Word and current events through the lens of Bible prophecy. We look forward to having you with us virtually!

LIVE STREAM HERE

The late, great Hal Lindsey :: From the Rapture Ready Family

November 27, 2024 1:40 pm / 18 Comments on The late, great Hal Lindsey :: From the Rapture Ready Family

Two days after his 95^th birthday, on Monday, November 25, the Lord called Harold Lee Lindsey home. The prolific author and beloved “grandfather” of the modern Bible Prophecy movement leaves a loving family and a gargantuan fan base—although he would encourage us by pointing to Jesus Christ rather than himself.

Born in Houston, Texas, weeks after the Stock Market Crash of 1929, Lindsey earned a Master of Theology degree from Dallas Theological Seminary, and later worked with Campus Crusade for Christ in Southern California for about a decade before authoring one of the biggest-selling books of the 20^th century, The Late Great Planet Earth. Written in the immediate aftermath of the Six Day War, the book electrified the country and led to many people studying eschatology. It has sold more than 35 million copies worldwide and has been translated into 50 languages.

No one could have anticipated such a sales tsunami, but the landmark title set the stage for increased evangelism and millions of people eagerly awaiting the Rapture. Lindsey went on to host the International Intelligence Briefing and the Hal Lindsey Report for years.

After decades of pushback from mostly mainline Bible scholars, Dispensationalism made a roaring comeback in the United States, propelled most by Lindsey’s influence. Scores of testimonies buttress the view that Hal Lindsey’s emphasis on evangelism and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ is the real point of studying prophecy.

Lindsey’s influence also extended to a flood of Christian tour groups to Israel. Interest in the Jewish state, in the light of prophecy fulfilled as the Jewish state began to repopulate the ancient homeland, swelled to unprecedented levels. As he wrote:

“The State of Israel may seem normal. But it’s not. It is no more normal than the restoration of a withered hand or the parting of a vast sea. Israel is not normal. Israel is a miracle!”

“Prophecy authenticates the message,” he liked to say.

Lindsey gave his personal testimony at a prophecy conference in 2013. He said that after a riverboat accident, he picked up a Bible and began to read. The book of Acts particularly caught his attention and he yearned for fellowship with believers. He was invited to a gathering at Rice University in the 1950s.

“There are turning points in every life and you are blessed if you don’t miss them,” he said.

After the Rice event—which, incredibly, dealt with Bible prophecy—Lindsey went back home and began studying his “copious” notes, along with his Bible.

“I stayed up all night. Being a draftsman, I drew a map and looked at the power blocs [in the international community]. I became consumed studying prophecy.” He said that after work each day, he’d go home and study the Bible for up to eight hours. His eyes were then opened to the great battle between good and evil. Lindsey saw that Marxism was becoming popular at Berkeley by 1960, when he started with Campus Crusade for Christ. His passion for the remainder of his life was evangelizing the lost.

This week, he heard the sublime words, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”

See you soon, brother!

Terry James Prophecy Line

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