How Does Israel - Hamas War Fit within Biblical Prophecy in 2023? The 3 Most Important Things to Know for Tribulation

Listen Here: Or read most of transcript below:

It is now one week since Hamas attacked Israel, and I have taken some time to gather my thoughts. I am not a scholar of biblical prophecy, yet I have read and followed many of the scholars for years. Over the past 5 months,  I have been systematically studying through the book titled Book of Signs by Dr. David Jeremiah - which I highly recommend. He has a study version published that is great for small groups, which is the one I am currently doing (and I have almost completed) with a small group.

 Now, I have wondered what should I share with my readers and listeners at this time? And it came to me that I need to share with you all what I have shared with my own children (who are now young adults).  About 9 years ago, I taught a class to teens (ranging from 6th grade to 10th grade), It was a class that incorporated some basic knowledge about biblical prophecy -  and this is what I taught them to be the three most important things to know about biblical eschatology, or prophecies about the 7 year tribulation and end times. I realized that what I am to share with my readers and listeners are these same things. 

Before I get to the three main things to know, I want to back up just a little and admit that biblical prophecy does not have a consensus on how it is to be interpreted. I can share with you a few big events that we have already seen occur, and I can share about some events that we should continue to watch for. I am referring to the big events that are clear in the prophecy. 



 First, the prophecy related to Israel that has been fulfilled was that the people of Israel would be dispersed and then become a nation again.  This happened in 1948 when Israel was made a nation again, in the area of it's homeland, with it's language and customs intact - after having been dispersed for over 1000 years. Many younger adults aren't aware of this prophetic history. Israel as a nation did not exist for over 1000 years until 1948 when after WW II they became a nation again. I'm not going to go into all of the history of how that happened, but if you have time to research it, its fascinating and explains what is happening and why there is no peace over there.

 So what to look for next? There are a few things to look for and watch for. First, we want to watch for the continued convergence of end time signs. Again, I won't go over those in detail so get Dr. David Jeremiah's book if you want to read more on the signs.  But watch Israel, because based on biblical prophecy, Israel is going to expand their land. Another prophecy to look for is that there will be a peace agreement with Israel. It will be a new peace agreement, or perhaps it will be an extension of one already begun. It will be a significant peace agreement when Israel and the world finally seem to collectively take a sigh of relief that the long sought for peace has been accomplished. 

 However, not long after that peace agreement is signed, the main broker of the peace deal with Israel will break their part of the treaty, and Israel will be invaded by a nation from its North. Many scholars teach that  Russia will likely be involved or Turkey or both (both are north of Jerusalem). There is so much more in the Bible prophecies, but those are the 3 key geo-political signs to be on the watch for. 1)Israel expands its land; 2) Significant peace agreement; 3) Invasion of Israel from the North.

Now - what do we need to know to be prepared for anything? In my opinion, these are the three top teachings from Jesus and the Bible that I taught my own children when they were teenagers (they are now young adults) regarding these prophecies:

1) When Jesus returns as Messiah, we will know.  No one will have to tells us, "Messiah is here," or "This person is the Messiah, or that person is Jesus."  If someone has to tell you or explain to you why "this person is the Messiah," then you know whoever they are referring to IS NOT Jesus nor the Messiah." This is important to know because a false leader will arise who will be able to perform miracles and signs; and many - even the majority - will be fooled into following the false world leader, who is an antichrist.  Jesus taught in Matthew 24: 23-27:  

"Then if anyone tells you, 'Look, the Messiah is here,' or 'There he is,' don't believe it. For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and  perform great signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God's chosen ones. See I have warned you about this ahead of time."  

So if someone tells you, 'Look the Messiah is out in the desert,' don't bother to go and look. Or 'Look, he is hiding here,' don't believe it! For as lightening flashes from the east and shines to the west, so it will be when the Son of Man comes."  Just as the gathering of vultures shows there is a carcass nearby,  so these signs indicate the end is near." (NLT)

2) The second thing to know is that there will be a period of severe global tribulation lasting 7 years, and there may or may not be a physical pre-tribulation rapture.  The worst of the tribulation will surround Israel and the Middle East, but we will all be affected globally. Bible scholars are not in agreement over the rapture and whether or not it will occur physically, nor when it will occur if it does. There are three main theories 1) the church will be raptured just before the tribulation period begins (pre-trib rapture); 2) the church is raptured in the middle of tribulation period (mid-trib rapture); and the church is not raptured out of the tribulation (post-millennial or post trib).  My own view is that I hope for a pre-trib physical rapture,  but I plan realistically for no physical rapture. Specifically I consider that  "the rapture" may be something that occurs within our spirits, but not physically. In other words, I think that God's people could be here physically for the tribulation; but God will pour out his Spirit on us so strongly that we are strengthened in our spirits to such a degree that we will have inner peace and a deep awareness of His presence through it.  

With all this said,  the important thing to know is that in the middle of the tribulation,  the Bible prophesies that the whole world will be required to take "a mark;" and nearly everyone alive will take the mark, because they will be required to take it in order to participate in society, and in order to buy or sell anything, including basic necessities and food.  Most scholars have long held that "the mark" could be a microchip inserted either in the right hand or wrist or forehead.  It is important to refuse to take this mark in your hand or forehead.  By this time, things will be so bad globally that most of us will be wishing for death or for the afterlife anyway.  So if you get to a point where you must take "the mark" or die - don't take the mark on your hand or forehead or at all. Because on the other side of death for those who believe in Jesus - is eternal life with Christ.  Here are the passages of Scripture about this:

Revelation 13:16-17: "He (referring to the false leader, "the beast," the antichrist) required everyone - small and great, rich and poor, free and slave - to be given a mark on the right hand or on the forehead. And no one could buy or sell anything without that mark, which was either the name of the beast or the number representing his name......

Revelation 14: 9-10:  "Then another angel, a third one, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he also will drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is mixed in full strength in the cup of His anger; and he will be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb." (NLT)

3) The third thing to know is that there is only One who has promised to save us, and we can trust His promise to save us.  He can save us, either through these tribulation times or on the other side of it - and our savior is Jesus.  Today is the day to accept Jesus as Lord of your life. It is a free gift of salvation, and Romans 10:13 says that, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."  If you need to know more how to accept the spirit of Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior,  I made a Tik Tok video yesterday, and I also made an instagram post - you can see on the platform of your choice by clicking on one of the links below:




Please view, read, save, and share this post!  Yes, some will think you are crazy or rude to share it; yet others will be saved by the Lord, choose to return to the Lord, or choose to draw nearer to God because of it.  



Doubting God? How to Overcome and Strengthen Faith In a Season of Doubt

Doubting God? How to Overcome and Strengthen Faith In a Season of Doubt

(Content Choices: Watch the Video below, Listen to the Podcast, or Read the Transcript Draft here:)

You may wonder – well how do I genuinely seek God, even when I have doubts?

I have a few recommendations for that.

If you are having doubts about whether or not Jesus really did die and was resurrected; then that is very important for you to gain some clarity on. I recommend you research and read on “The Minimal Facts Argument” for the resurrection of Christ. You can google it or find a video on that topic on Youtube. Even Paul taught that if Jesus wasn't raised from the dead, then the Christian faith is meaningless and a lie. So if you are having doubts about Christ's resurrection – then yes – study the evidence and decide for yourself. The “Minimal Facts Argument” lays out all of the evidence that all scholars – even non-believing scholar historians – agree actually happened related to the claim that Jesus was resurrected. Remember, that the Bible clearly teaches that faith is based on evidence. The Bible teaches that “Faith is the....evidence of things not seen.” Faith is not a blind trust. Faith is a decision to believe Jesus based on the evidence we have about Him, about His life, death, and resurrection. True faith does have room for areas of doubt. Not complete doubt. Complete doubt would be unbelief; but areas of doubt.




How Do We Steward Our Emotions For Good? Series Has Begun...

The "Emotions and the Gospel Life" se
ries has begun with the first four episodes. 

Check them out directly below, on Apple, Google, or Spotify podcasts, OR or at the podcast YouTube channel.  In the Podplayer below, you would start from the title at the bottom titled "Is There a Theology of Emotions?" if you want to go in order. 

How Do We Use Anger for Good Purposes? Anger and the Bible

How Do We Use Anger for Good Purposes? Anger and the Bible




This weekend you may listen to the blogpost/blogcast at YouTube or on the embedded videos below. We have our main topic on "Using Anger For Good Purposes"; and then a Follow Up Videopost/Blogcast on "When Does Anger Need a Professional?" 

Goodbye to the Grudge (and Anger, Resentment, Bitterness) | How To Use Anger for Good Purposes | The Biblical Prescription for Anger, Grudges, Bitterness



You may listen the audio below, which is read by the author and reveals more of the encouraging tone and nuances of the teaching.  If you prefer to simply read the message, just keep scrolling past the past the podcast player to find your traditionally written blog post. 

Is There a Theology of Emotions? What Does God's Word Teach About Mental Health?

Is There a Theology of Emotions? What Does God's Word Teach About Mental Health? 

You may listen to the 12 minute audio right here on the website by clicking on the Pod Player for the episode title below. 

You may listen as you read also. If you prefer to simply read the message, just keep scrolling past the past the podcast player to find your traditionally written blog post. 

Pre-Season Book Sale - Lowest of the Year - This Weekend Only!

 Pre-Season Book Sale - Lowest of the Year - This Weekend Only!


This weekend only through July 16th.  

All three of these books have received bestseller status and have together earned hundreds of positive, completely unsolicited reviews.

Will Only A Few Be Saved? How Did Jesus Answer? What Did Jesus Mean? (Matthew 7:13-14 and Luke 13:22-24)

You may listen to the 10 minute audio right here on the website by clicking on the Pod Player for the episode title below. 

You may listen as you read also. If you prefer to simply read the message, just keep scrolling past the past the podcast player to find your traditionally written blog post. 

Do You Know the Key Question to Help with Solving All Problems?

I want to share with you a key question you may ask yourself whenever you need to make a major decision. When a major (or minor) problem comes into your life, and you need to resolve it, you can always ask this question of yourself to help gauge your options and guide your decision making.

Shop Author's Books
The key question:

"Is the way I am handling this problem bringing me closer to God, or is it taking me further away?"

Likewise, if you have two or more paths, or two or more choices you can make during a decision for solving a problem - then choose the option that will  help you be nearer to God. 

If the action you end up chosing is one that keeps you close to God, then you can be assured that you are still walking in his will for you.

Remember Psalms 25:12 tells us, "Those who have reverance for the Lord will learn from him the path they should follow."





If you would like to learn simple, practical ways to walk with God every single day, then you would really enjoy Closer to God: Simple Methods, Starting Today


If you need motivation to eat healthier or lose weight while also growing 

closer to God, then you would enjoy Weight Loss for Christians, An 

Extraordinarily Simple Way to Conquer Cravings


Book on Amazon

If you want to learn more deeply and fully about what Jesus taught, then you would enjoy He Called: 56 Daily Studies and Reflections with the Words of Christ. 


The author also interacts with her readers on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/GospelLifeBooks


Instagram: @gospellifelearning


Twitter: @gospellifelearn


Youtube: Gospel Life Learning

Author's other books can  be found at: https://www.amazon.com/Sherry-Elaine-Evans

Season 1 of Gospel Life Learning Blogs & Audios Pinned In One Place

I have been reviewing and reflecting on all that has grown with this little blog and book ministry, and I am so looking forward to what is coming! I want to share a reminder from Psalm 37:23 - God directs our steps and delights in every detail of our lives when we choose to stay near to him.

Did you miss any of the 16 short teachings from GLL this past season? You can catch up on any missed
teaching blogs or audio episodes that interest you.Take the time now before our next series starts the first week in July!

Each message was planned to teach you something you may not have known before about the Scriptures, in 10 minutes or less, whether you are new to the faith or have been following Christ for decades. Here is a direct link (via pinterest) to all the "blogcast" posts, in the order released.


I have pinned the 16 teaching blogs with audios there as an easy way to find them all, while a new website is being worked on over the next few weeks that will be more user friendly.

In July, we will begin a blog and "blogcast" series of 12 sessions on the "Gospel Life, Emotions, and Mental Health" I'm really excited about this upcoming project as I get to weave together my "expertise" with my love of God's word.

Stay tuned!

- Sherry

--------------------------------------------------------------

If you would like to learn simple, practical ways to walk with God every single day, then you would really enjoy Closer to God: Simple Methods, Starting Today


Book on Amazon

 

If you want to learn more deeply and fully about what Jesus taught, then you would enjoy He Called: 56 Daily Studies and Reflections with the Words of Christ. 

 

The author also interacts with her readers on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/GospelLifeBooks

 

Author's other books can  be found at: https://www.amazon.com/Sherry-Elaine-Evans

God's Abounding Love? What Does That Mean? The Hebrew Word for Love, Hesed

An 8  minute listen or read. Click below on the player to listen, or read below the traditional blog post. Find all previous "blogscript" podcasts HERE or find under Gospel Life Learning on Apple, Spotify, or Google podcasts. 


"God Abounds in Love," What Does That Mean?

Why do we want to stay close to God? Why do we want to stay near to Him, day by day ? I know we have been told to do this – but why? Does it really make a difference? Why does God even care if we talk to Him? Although I cannot answer all those questions easily on my own, I can search the Bible for its truth and its promises.

So this morning, I came across Psalm 86. Psalm 86:5, and when I looked it up on my laptop the NIV
translation came up first, and this is what it said:

“You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call on you.” (NIV)

Isn't that beautiful and true? That is a reason we want to walk with God, a reason why we crave being near to him. The reason is because we know when we call on him, he will forgive us, he will be good to us and he will show us his abounding love.

I then looked at Psalm 86:5 in a few different modern translations, and I noticed something. It seemed that the translators over the past 100 years have struggled to translate the phrase that says God is “abounding in love.” Going back to the KJV, it didn't say “abounding in love.” Instead, it used the phrase that the Lord is “plenteous in mercy.” Then some of the older translations and even the more recent NASB from 1995 used a phrase saying the Lord is “abundant in lovingkindness.” A year later, the New Living Translation was released and translated the phrase as “so full of unfailing love.” In 2001, the English Standard Version came out and translated this saying that the Lord is “abounding in steadfast love” to all who call on him. Finally, the translators from the NIV from 2011 just translated it “abounding in love.” I suppose at that point the NIV translators just stopped trying? Just love? They didn't go for lovingkindness or steadfast love or unfailing love? Just love – that's it?

So now I'm curious about what the original word was here in Psalm 86:5. Obviously, this word has been very difficult for Biblical scholars to translate for over 100 years, so what could the Hebrew word be? I quickly pulled up the Hebrew interlinear version of the passage on biblehub.com. And here is the underlying word:

"Jesus Redeems." What Does That Mean?


A 7  minute listen or read. Click below on the player to listen, or read below the traditional blog post. Find all previous "blogscript" podcasts HERE or find under Gospel Life Learning on Apple, Spotify, or Google podcasts. 

Jesus Redeems. What Does That Mean? 

We Christians use a lot of "insider" terminology.  One of the words we frequently use is the word redeem. We say that we are "redeemed" by Christ, or that God is our Redeemer.  

Whatever does that mean? Usually in today's world, the only time we see the word redeem outside of a Bible study is on a coupon! For example, "Redeem this voucher for one free Chik fil A sandwich!"

We studied this word, redeem, in Bible study group this past Sunday, and I had some "ah-ha" moments. So today I wish to share some!

Of course, in Hebrew, early Latin, and in New Testament Greek, the word redeem had nothing to do with coupons for free fast food items nor other prizes. The Biblical term redeem always meant to buy something back, or to rescue from a distressful situation - usually as part of a legal-type agreement or even as a ransom.

If you check a modern Merriam-Webster English dictionary, you will see all of the early Hebrew, Latin, Greek, and the modern definitions represented.

You will see that the word redeem means to buy back or to re-purchase. 

The word may also mean to free from something distressful or harmful, or

to free from captivity by the payment of a ransom,  or

to extricate or rescue something or someone from a detrimental situation.

Tetelestai - "It Is Finished"

God's Plan Has Been In Process,  Jesus' Work Is Now Finished, And It Will Remain Finished, with Continuing Effects (Greek Perfect Tense, Koine)

The Greek Perfect Tense in the Bible is only used a handful of times in the New Testament; and unlike our English verb tenses, the Greek perfect tense holds three layers of meaning within it's form. 

One way of stating the full meaning of the perfect tense is this:   it is both punctiliar and linear, or, in other words, it is both happening at a point and time (punctiliar) and ongoing in time (linear). 

I also like to describe the perfect tense verb as having 3 layers of meaning all within the one word. 

1st layer - The action has been in process. 

2nd layer - The action has just been completed.

3rd layer - The action will remain completed, with its continuing effects. 

When it was written that Jesus said "Tetelestai," the word tetelestai, the Greek word for "finished" or for "fulfilled" was written in the rare perfect tense. 

Let's look at the layers:

1st layer -  Jesus' work has been in process of being finished.

2nd layer -  Jesus' work is now completed. His work is finished. 

3rd layer - This completion will remain completed, with continuing effects. 

"It is finished" is 3 words sharing 3 layers of truth.  The work and the purpose of Christ had been in process. Christ's work was finished at his last words on the cross.  His work will remain finished, along with its continuing effects. 

(One other time the perfect tense was used in the New Testament was when Jesus announced the nearing of the kingdom of God at the very beginning of His ministry. It was his first teaching we have written down in the New Testament. I wrote a blog about that teaching and the perfect tense HERE.) 

Long ago in the year 1686, Matthew Henry began preaching. He was 24 years old, and he continued to preach and to pour over scripture - word by word and phrase by phrase - until his death at the age of 51. Henry wrote this in response to Jesus' last spoken word on the cross:

What Did Jesus Mean When He Said, "I am the Resurrection?"

 What Did Jesus Mean When He Said, "I am the Resurrection?"


A 7  minute listen or read. Click below on the player to listen, or read below the traditional blog post. Find all previous "blogscript" podcasts HERE or find under Gospel Life Learning on Apple, Spotify, or Google podcasts. 

 
What did Jesus mean when he said, “I am the Resurrection and the Life”? (John 11:25)

It's the time of the year where we are coming into Holy Week and all Christians around the world will have their minds on the crucifixion of Christ and then his miraculous resurrection by which he showed us that death is not an ultimate end.

So let's tap our brains a bit and see what we already know or what we recall about what was happening when Jesus said this. When Jesus said, “I am the Resurrection and the life;” who was he speaking to, where was he, and what were the circumstances happening?

If you recall correctly, you remembered that Jesus said this to Martha. This happened after Lazarus had died, and had in fact been dead for a few days. Jesus was just outside Martha and Mary's town, and Martha knew he was coming and went out on the road to meet him.

And Martha was not exactly happy. She was perhaps, exasperated and flustered. She said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” Then Martha tells Jesus that she still knows that God will do for Jesus whatever he asks. And how does Jesus respond? Jesus says, “Your brother will rise again.”

Martha then answers and says, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” And then Jesus replies, “I am the resurrection and the life.”

And right here I want to pause for a little while; and look at what Jesus said to Martha. It is another one of those many instances when the word we use to translate misses a little something; but that little something is actually quite meaningful.

Which Parable Can Give Us A Quick, Daily, Spiritual Self-Assessment?


An 11 minute listen or read. Click below on the player to listen, or read below the traditional blog post. Find all previous "blogscript" podcasts HERE or find under Gospel Life Learning on Apple, Spotify, or Google podcasts. 

The Parable of the Sower? Or maybe this parable needs a new name. 

From what perspective did you learn to understand Jesus' parable of the sower?   It is Mark chapter 4.  A lot of us, were taught to read this parable from the perspective of the farmer, from the perspective of the person who is scattering the seed. After all, it is subtitled in our Bibles "The Parable of the Sower," and it starts with Jesus telling about the main character, saying "The sower went out to sow." 

However, as I was taking notes and reading this parable for the book He Called: 56 Daily Studies and Reflections with the Words of Christ, I felt like the Lord was showing me to read this parable from the perspective of the seeds and the soil. From that perspective,  this story gives us a framework for a quick, daily, spiritual assessment of ourselves. 


In this story, there is actually only one sentence in it about the farmer. The first sentence. For the rest of the story, the entirety of it is about the seeds and the conditions of the soil.  In my opinion,  I think this parable should be called "The Parable of the Seeds and Soils." It is a very important teaching of Jesus. Let's picture the scene:

"Shoes of Peace" - My Phrase for the Year - the Roman Soldier's Shoes - Armor of God in Ephesians 6

"Shoes of Peace." What Are They, and How Do We Wear Them?


You may listen to the 10 minute audio 
right here on the website by clicking on the Pod Player for the episode title below. 
 If you prefer to simply read the message, just keep scrolling past the podcast player to find your traditionally written blog post. 


"Shoes of Peace." What Are They, and How Do We Wear Them?

As this new year turned over, I began trying to think of a word that would be "my word" to hold onto for the year. Typically this shouldn't be too hard to come up with a word, but as January 1st passed, and then the second, and then the 10th, I still didn't have a good, single word.

However, there is a phrase that has been both convicting me and inspiring me for the past few months, and it is also a phrase that I want to hold on to this year and implement daily this year so that it becomes not just a phrase in my head, nor just a note in a notebook. I want this phrase to be something to hold onto and to anchor me this year and future years as well.

The phrase is "shoes of peace."