Tag: Jerusalem
Turkey often takes the lead in denouncing Israel
Turkey is no longer satisfied with second place in the Arab world. The country of Turkey is moving to the front of the pack. They expect to lead the entire Arab/Muslim community of nations in the coming years. At this moment in history (2018) that seems unlikely but don’t underestimate the bold ambitions of that…
The Lord God will defend Israel when surrounded by enemies
The Lord God will defend Israel until he doesn’t. God will defend Israel against the relentless attacks from their enemies. The military of the modern state of Israel is capable of defending itself. Many feel as though they can provide their own protection. Their defenses are strong and their enemies are weak in comparison. But…
The Olivet Discourse: And the great sign, an Abomination
The Olivet Discourse: Jesus’ words of warning concerning the last days This article continues a series that explores the meaning of the Olivet Discourse. (See here) It is common to assume the Olivet Discourse is only chapter 24, but chapter 25 is very much a part of the whole context. The opening verse of chapter…
Habakkuk One: A stunning answer from God
The Prophet Habakkuk had a problem with God’s plan Habakkuk had a problem with God’s way of doing things. Does that sound familiar? The prophet, as far as we can tell, was a humble, godly man, with a high moral character. But he didn’t like the direction things were going in his local city or…
Drunkards Beware: Isaiah 28:1-13 Drunkards were warned
God warned the drunkards but they spewed chunks anyway Drunkards: Many of us have images of drunkards lying in streets or dark alleyways living useless and empty lives. In this chapter of the Book of Isaiah, the drunkards aren’t homeless people, but God’s priests and prophets. Isaiah was a high-character man of God. He was…
Isaiah 25 The Light at the end of the tunnel is not a train
The Light at the end of the tunnel is Jesus! This chapter in the Book of Isaiah shines a bright light on one of the reasons Bible prophecy is so important. A light is approaching that no darkness can extinguish. John 8:12 I am the Light When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said,…
The Day the World Ended: Isaiah 24 Isaiah saw a vision of it
I saw how the world ended! “The world ended. I saw it. It was a day like every other day, but it turned out to be like none before it.” The prophet Isaiah continues his long steady push toward the end of God’s story. In the next four chapters, he gives us a clear glimpse…
Children of Israel: Joel 3:16-21 Will they survive prophecy?
The Children of Israel have many enemies The children of Israel will survive despite the relentless efforts of their sworn enemies. I’ve had the privilege of teaching stories about the Children of Israel to thousands of children. A common response from those young learners is for them to imagine lots of little children marching through…
Armageddon Joel 3:9-16 God accepts challenge of false gods
The Final Showdown of Armageddon: Armageddon is going to be “God versus the nations” In the last chapter of Joel, the Lord calls for the war of Armageddon to begin. This is literally the war-to-end-all-wars. Many have heard the word used so often it has lost its sense of impending doom and destruction. As we…
Valley of Decision: Joel 3:1-8 The Lord brings the nations
Joel 3:1-8 God will bring the nations into the Valley of Decision? The decision to follow God or choose a different path falls on each individual. For now anyway. God graciously granted Adam, Eve, and all their descendants the freedom to choose at the time and manner they feel is best. The options are plentiful and attractive…
