2022 Nov-Dec Zion's Fire Magazine

What the Bible Says About the Future

Defending the Christian Faith

How Hebrews Fits In Galatians Part 9 (2)

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NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2022

Tension on the Temple Mount

David Rosenthal

Israel’s newly-formed government may seek to change the status quo of the Temple Mount to grant access to Jews for prayer and possibly pave the way for the re-establishment of Israel’s ancient sacrificial system.

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INSIGHT FEATURE

Galatians Part 9 (2): How Hebrews Fits In

Marv Rosenthal

God is unchangeable; He is immutable. He is not a Benedict Arnold. Knowing that God never changes and goes against His promises is something that ought to give you, beloved Christian, the greatest of confidence and assurance.

INSIGHT FEATURE

A Word from the Word

Dr. Dan Hayden

Dr. Hayden looks at the words “Lovingkindness” and “Angel.” Both of these brief studies will give you a greater appreciation for these biblical truths!

What the Bible Says About the Future

Steve Hogan

Biblical prophecy can be challenging in trying to understand how all the details fit together. Pastor Hogan’s insightful summary provides you with a helpful resource of the prophetic themes associated with the Last Days.

INSIGHT FEATURE

Defending the Christian Faith

Dr. Michael Weis

Have you ever had to defend Christianity? How did you do? Well? Not so well? Do you wish you could have done better? Regardless, let’s agree that it’s important for believers to know how to defend their faith.

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entitled: Six Proofs of a Pre-Wrath Rapture. Included in this Pocket Study is a DVD (video) lesson by David Rosenthal in which he discusses in detail six crucial

you need to know from Scripture to have a proper

of the sequence and chronology of Christ’s return. Along with the DVD, you’ll also receive a compact companion study guide that’s perfect for your own personal study or for Sunday School and Bible study groups.

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TEMPLE MOUNT

Will Israel’s newly-formed government change the status quo on the Temple Mount, grant access to Jews for prayer, and open the door to the re-establishment of Israel’s ancient sacrificial system?

n the Holy City of Jerusalem, strong winds of religious conflict and political change are in the air, and these developments may be the prelude to a coming firestorm unlike any the world has ever seen.

The reelection of Benjamin (Bibi) Netanyahu as Prime Minister of Israel has, once again, upended the geopolitical realities within Israel and across the Middle East. After his election victory, the conventional wisdom suggested Bibi’s political prowess would enable him to assemble the factions he needed to form a governing coalition (a postelection requirement to be seated as Prime Minister in Israel). The political pundits were right. Netanyahu prevailed – but not without granting major concessions to his new coalition partners.

Bibi’s Likud party is center right. However, in order to form a viable coalition with enough seats in the Knesset (Israel’s Parliament) to govern, he was forced to extend his hand even further to the right.

New

coalition can give Temple Mount back to Jewish people – Opinion

The Jerusalem Post: November 19, 2022

As such, Netanyahu gave powerful cabinet positions to deeply religious orthodox and ultranationalist leaders of various right-wing parties. He had little choice. He needed the support of these factions – and they saw his need as an opportunity to further their own agendas and gain political clout for their parties.

These recent appointments, however, have caused an uproar among Israel’s secular, moderate, and left-wing factions as they face the reality that Neyanyahu’s new coalition is the most religiouslyorthodox, far-right Israeli government in history. Only weeks ago, more than 80,000 Israelis poured into the streets of Tel Aviv to protest proposed changes to Israel’s left-leaning Supreme Court that would essentially give overriding power to Israel’s right-leaning parliament.

The anger and rhetoric in the country has become so enflamed that Netanyahu felt compelled to express his concern over the divisiveness:

“In a democratic country … leaders of the opposition are not arrested, just as the government ministers are not called Nazis, the Jewish government isn’t called the Third Reich, and the citizens are not called to start a civil rebellion.”

Governing Israel is not for the faint of heart, and Netanyahu’s new coalition faces a raft of politically polarizing issues that will have a direct bearing on the future of

Ben Gvir faces dilemma as

Mount

Israel’s geographic borders, demographic composition, and Judaic religious laws in coming years:

■ To what extent will future construction of Israeli settlements be allowed to proceed in so-called Palestinian areas (in what the media refers to as “the Israelioccupied West Bank”)?

■ Will there be a one-state solution to the Palestinian conflict in Israel –thereby jeopardizing the Jewish nature and character of Israel? Or, will there be a separate Jewish state and Palestinian state that share a common border – essentially reducing Israel’s land area, leaving her with indefensible borders, and threatening her national security?

■ Will young Orthodox Jews who study the Torah be granted a blanket waiver allowing them to avoid serving in the military (in which all other Israelis must serve)?

■ Will Israel have two educational systems – one that is pluralistic and another where Orthodox Jews control education within their communities and have the power to enforce their own curriculum based upon strict adherence to the Judaic Law?

Divisive issues such as these between secular and religious Jews will have a major impact on the future of Israel and the greater Middle East. But there is another issue of greater significance at the very heart of the Jewish world – and that is the status of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.

Sitting atop the Temple Mount today is the Islamic Dome of the

THE DELICATE STATUS QUO AROUND JERUSALEM’S HOLIEST SITE IS UNRAVELING TIME: January 5, 2023

Rock shrine alongside the Al-Aqsa Mosque – the third holiest site for Muslims in the world. Built in the 7th and 8th centuries A.D., these buildings sit prominently on the approximately 35-acre platform which was constructed by Herod the Great just prior to the time of Christ. As the grandest of his world-renown building projects, Herod surrounded the existing mountain with four towering walls of massive, hand-carved stone and backfilled them to create an imposing rectangular plateau on which he constructed a new and magnificent Temple.

It’s not an overstatement to say that the Temple Mount in Jerusalem is the most important – and, therefore, most valuable – piece of real estate on Earth. How could it be thought otherwise? This sacred mountain, known as Mount Moriah, is the ancient site where God called Abraham to offer Isaac as a sacrifice. It is the mount where God’s presence dwelt among the Jewish people in the Temple – and it is the mount to which God’s holy presence will soon return when Jesus returns to take His rightful place as Israel’s King. From this sacred “Holy Hill” the King of Kings will rule the world.

Foremost in the minds of many religious Jews is a deep desire to see their glorious Temple rebuilt –where Yahweh can be extolled –and where the Jewish religious system of worship, with its accompanying laws, can be re-established. Many within Israel speak openly of the day when Jews will once again be allowed to ascend the sacred mount to pray. However, what is not often said aloud, but is deeply entrenched within the heart of some of Israel’s most religious communities, is the desire to find atonement

Netanyahu assured U.S. he’d curb far right. Has he already lost control?

The Washington Post: January 19, 2023

this can only happen through the blood of an animal sacrifice on the mount (see Leviticus 17:11).

Recently, Prime Minister Netanyahu’s newly-appointed National Security Minister, Itamar Ben Gvir (whose ministry is in charge of policing), ascended the Temple Mount in the face of global condemnation and threats from the Hamas terror organization that rules Gaza. During the course of his visit, he made the following statement:

“The Israeli government won’t capitulate to a murderous organization, to a repugnant terrorist group. The Temple Mount is the most important place for the people of Israel. The Temple Mount is open to all – Muslims, Christians, and yes, Jews too. There won’t be racist discrimination in a government in which I am a member. Jews will ascend to the Temple Mount … those who make threats [against this] must be dealt with – with an iron fist.”

The crucial point here is that one of Netanyahu’s far-right, recentlyappointed coalition officials wasted no time in ascending the Temple Mount and declaring it “open for Jews.” This is simply the initial foray toward what I believe will be a concerted effort to change the status quo regarding Jewish access to the sacred mount. And as Israel’s religious parties continue to gain strength and influence, the cries will continue to grow louder for Jews to have the freedom to pray – and eventually offer sacrifices to God – on the Temple Mount. The significance of these very real possibilities must not be lost on Christians today. The prophet

Palestinian

Authority accuses Israel of trying to build a new temple on Temple Mount

The Jerusalem Post: January 3, 2023

Daniel, when revealing the timeline and details of events related to Israel in the Last Days, wrote the following about a coming false messiah:

And he [the Antichrist] shall confirm the covenant with many [in Israel] for one week [a period of 7 years]: and in the midst of the week [after the first 3½ years] he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease [he will put a stop to the Jewish animal sacrifices taking place on the Temple Mount at a rebuilt Temple], and for the overspreading of abominations he [the Antichrist] shall make it desolate [he will pollute it by erecting an image of himself and demanding that Jews worship him] Daniel 9:27 (clarification added).

Obviously, there is no Jewish Temple sitting atop the Temple Mount – nor are there animal sacrifices occurring there today. But according to Daniel’s prophecy, Israel’s sacrificial system must be reinstated at some point prior to the Antichrist’s breaking of his future covenant with Israel.

5 ZION’S FIRE | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2022

GALATIANS PART 9

Abraham’s belief in God’s promise was so strong, so faithful, and so complete that he believed if he took the life of his son Isaac, God . . . would raise Isaac from the dead.

Part of our study on the Book of Galatians has taken us on a detour to the Book of Hebrews as many of its themes echo those of Galatians. We ended Part 1 of our Hebrews detour by examining God’s promises of salvation by faith through the Abrahamic Covenant. We now continue to look at Abraham, focusing on his faith.

Abraham’s Faith

In Genesis 22, Abraham is obedient to God’s directive that he take his son Isaac and offer him as a sacrifice. The whole issue regarding this directive was, Abraham, do you believe Me. I promised you the world would be blessed through your seed, specifically Isaac. But now I am asking you to take Isaac’s life. Do you still believe I will bless the world through your seed? Do you still believe I am a covenantkeeping God?

The answer was a resounding “yes!” Abraham’s belief in God’s promise was so strong, so faithful, and so complete that he believed if he took the life of his son Isaac, God – to be faithful to His covenant promises – would raise Isaac from the dead. Abraham did everything he was supposed to do and was poised to offer his son as a sacrifice. At the last moment, God

intervened and prevented Abraham from slaying Isaac. Abraham had proven his trust in God and His Word. He had exhibited amazing faith. As a result of this faith, God told Abraham:

By myself have I sworn, saith the LORD, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son: That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies; And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice (vv. 16-18).

Notice how God begins His proclama-

tion to Abraham by saying, “By myself have I sworn.” Whenever an oath was taken in biblical days, each party had to swear by something both outside and greater than themself. This was the only way to give legitimacy to the covenant. Swearing by one’s self held no meaning, no importance; it was not something that could be relied upon. For instance, pagans would swear by the gods they worshiped. Perhaps some people would swear by their mother’s or father’s grave. So long as it had meaning and it was something beyond themselves, people could enter into a covenant with legitimacy; it was a guarantee they would keep their promise.

However, when it comes to the Lord, there is no one or nothing greater. Not even close. There is nothing outside of God by which He can promise, nor is there anything above Him by which He can swear. Therefore, He must swear upon Himself (that is, His own flawless character, unblemished name, and unrivaled position of authority). It is as if God is saying, I am the highest, the eternal One, the supreme One, the Most Holy One. There is nothing higher than Me. Therefore I take an oath in Myself. And because of this oath, Abraham, you can have complete confi-

Written by Marvin J. Rosenthal 1935–2022

dence and faith I will do exactly what I say I will do. My right arm of power will perform what my mouth has spoken. The whole point is that God made a promise to Abraham, and He confirmed the promise by an oath.

A Promise-Keeping God

Returning to Hebrews 6:13, we read: “For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself.” The writer to the Hebrews knew exactly what God was telling Abraham in Genesis 22. The message to the Hebrews – and to us – is that if God kept His promise to Abraham, He will also keep His promises to us. The Hebrews need not yield to the pressure of the Judaizers. Their God was a covenantkeeping God. They were now adherents of the New Covenant by faith in God’s grace. All they need do is stay the course, and their covenant-keeping, promise-keeping God would uphold them.

In verse 15, the author writes: “And so, after he [Abraham] had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.” Notice, the promise was not fulfilled right away. It would transpire over time. Abraham was to “endure,” to continue in his faith and be

All they need do is stay the course, and their covenant-keeping, promise-keeping God would uphold them.

Abraham was to “endure,” to continue in his faith and be patient while the Lord worked out His will in His own perfect timing. So, too, are the Hebrews to endure patiently.

GOD — wanting to assure there is no doubting His covenantal promise to Abraham — SWORE UPON HIMSELF.

patient while the Lord worked out His will in His own perfect timing. So, too, are the Hebrews to endure patiently.

But, just in case the Hebrews still have doubts, the author reinforces his assurances in verses 16 and 17:

For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife. Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath.

This goes back to what I said before. When two people enter into a covenant, they swear by that which is greater than themselves, and this settles the matter. Both parties can be assured the other will abide by his part of the agreement. The oath confirms the promise. Even more so, then, God – wanting to assure there is no doubting His covenantal promise to Abraham – swore upon Himself.

we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us.

God’s promise is “backed up” by two immutable or unchangeable things. What are these two things? 1. God’s promise; 2. God’s oath. Add to this that God cannot lie. These two things, His promise and His oath, are “done deals.” In this, we can rest assured. The author then refers to the Hebrews, and subsequently all believers, as those “who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us.” What is this hope? It is none other than Jesus. He is the Seed who was promised

The Anchor of Our Souls

Nothing that happens in this world has any effect on God’s love for you. He will never stop loving you. He will never desert you. He will never withdraw the promise of salvation He made to you. You are His forever.

Furthermore, God also determined to show to the “heirs of promise” – all believers throughout the ages – “the immutability of his counsel.” When you see the word “immutability,” think of Benedict Arnold, who was a traitor. The word “immutability” comes from the same root word as “traitor.” A traitor is one who changes allegiances. He was on one side, but then he turned around and joined the other side. The traitor is changeable, mutable. God, however, is unchangeable; He is immutable. He is not a turncoat; He is not a Benedict Arnold. Knowing that God never changes and goes against His promises is something that ought to give you, beloved Christian, the greatest of confidence and assurance. Nothing that happens in this world has any effect on God’s love for you. He will never stop loving you. He will never desert you. He will never withdraw the promise of salvation He made to you. You are His forever. He has promised you this and He is incapable of breaking His promise.

What does this mean? Verse 18 tells us:

That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie,

the boat drifts. However, in Christ our Anchor is sure and immovable – there is no drifting. Our souls are held steady by the Anchor. Let the waters rage as they may, our boats – our souls – will not be moved. Our Anchor has a firm hold on us.

then row into the harbor, let the anchor out of the boat, and set it down in the harbor. Though the ship was still out in deeper water, it was secure.

The author continues in verse 19: “Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil.” This hope – Jesus – is the anchor of our souls. This is crucial for every believer to remember. Our world is sin-sick and out of

This hope — Jesus — is the anchor of our souls. This is crucial for every believer to remember.

control, and will only get worse as we rush toward the end of the age. We as believers will be affected physically by all that happens. We are in the world and are not immune to it. However, our souls belong to God, and the world can’t touch them. Satan can’t touch them. Our souls are God’s, and because of His promised Seed – the Lord Jesus Christ– our souls are guaranteed eternal bliss. How do we know this guarantee will be fulfilled? God’s promise and His oath. In Christ we have salvation; Christ is the anchor of our souls.

Furthermore, this anchor is “sure and stedfast.” The author is using the imagery of a boat in the middle of a body of water, but secure because the anchor has been cast into the water. Sometimes, however, the anchor breaks, or is not very steady, and

And there is one more thing about the Anchor: He “entereth into that within the veil.” This is a reference to the Old Testament Tabernacle, and specifically the Holy of Holies. The Holy of Holies (or Most Holy Place) was separated from the Holy Place by a veil. Only the High Priest could go beyond the veil into the Holy of Holies, and this just once a year, on the Day of Atonement. The High Priest would enter the Holy of Holies with the blood of a sacrificed animal and sprinkle it for the purposes of making an atonement for the people. However, this was not permanent. The High Priest would have to perform the same ritual year after year because “it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins” (Hebrews 10:4, emphasis added).

The blood of the sacrifice could only cover sin until the following year. However, Jesus offered the sacrifice of His own blood. He was the eternal and ultimate High Priest, and His blood sacrifice was so powerful and efficacious that it would be the final one needed. It would not have to be repeated year after year. Christ’s sacrifice was sufficient for eternity. Just as the High Priest came into the Father’s presence with the shed blood of the animal, so Jesus came into God’s presence “within the veil” that He might offer the ultimate sacrifice for our sin.

The author then closes Hebrews Chapter 6 with these words in verse 20: “Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.” When the author uses the word “forerunner,” he is referring to a rowboat. Sometimes when a large ship got close to land, the water was shallow, threatening to ground the vessel. Therefore, the ship would have to remain in deeper water, some distance from the harbor. In order not to drift further out to sea, the ship would let down a rowboat and place an anchor in it. The crewmen would

Jesus is our Forerunner; He is both our Rowboat and our Anchor. He has gone into the harbor, into the presence of God the Father based on His eternal sacrifice, and He is our Anchor – securing us as we’re buffeted by the winds and waves of the world.

As a final word, the author tells us Jesus is “an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.” Don’t forget, the major point of Hebrews is the Mosaic Law was good, but the New Covenant is better. The Aaronic priesthood was good, but the priesthood of Melchizedek is better. Why is it better? The Aaronic priesthood consisted of mortal men who would die, and eventually the entire system would cease.

Melchizedek, however, was “Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually” (Hebrews 7:3). Jesus is perfect, and He is our High Priest. With such a High Priest, why would anyone want to cave in to the teachings of legalists who seek to rob us of the joy of our salvation by grace and enslave us in the chains of the Mosaic Law?

What about you? Have you put your faith in Jesus Christ and His blood sacrifice for your sin? Accept Him as the High Priest of your life, and He will be the Anchor of your soul. I invite you now to do so. Will you confess the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved? All you must do is ask Him. The “Anchor” is waiting to secure you. u

Up next: “Part 10: Adopted into God’s Family.” Paul teaches that before we gaveour lives to Christ, we were like heirs without jurisdiction. We had no authority, no freedom. However, when we came to faith in Christ, we were adopted into the family of God. Now we carry our Father’s name, glory, and honor!

HE IS both our Rowboat and our Anchor. HE HAS GONE INTO THE HARBOR, INTO THE PRESENCE OF

Will you confess the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved? All you must do is ask Him. The “Anchor” is waiting to secure you.

“For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations.” (Psalm 100:5).

SLOVINGKINDNESS

– Psalm 100: 5

ome time ago I saw a bumper sticker which read, “Practice Random Acts of Kindness.”

I guess that means to be kind just because it’s a good thing to do. At least there’s no harm in being kind.

There is a Hebrew word in the Old Testament that expresses the wonder of God’s grace and mercy more than any other word. It is the Hebrew word chesed

Actually, it takes many English words to catch the flavor of this one Hebrew word chesed. Ideas such as love or kindness, benevolence, goodwill, favor, benefit, mercy, grace are all implied in the word chesed. It is a wonderful word to express God’s kindness to His people.

Now when the psalmist uses this word in Psalm 100 to express the character of God for which we need to be thankful, he says in verse 5: “For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations.”

Hmm, where is the word “lovingkindness” in that verse? After all, that

word is the topic of this brief study. Most Bible translations use the English word “mercy” for the Hebrew word chesed, but if you really want to catch the main character of the word chesed, the English word “lovingkindness” best does the trick!

Therefore, a better translation of that phrase in Psalm 100:5 would be: “His lovingkindness is everlasting.”

What a wonderful God we have who thinks and acts toward us with chesed; that is, with lovingkindness!

Did you notice the psalmist said this characteristic of God is also everlasting? You see, if you are a child of God, He will never stop loving you and showering you with kindness. His lovingkindness is everlasting! u

Written by Dan Hayden

ANGEL

– Luke 1:28

What would you do if an angel suddenly appeared and began talking with you? You would certainly be startled and maybe even speechless.

I’m going to talk about a time when that really happened, and it has to do with our Word from the Word, “Angel.”

Mary of Nazareth was going about her daily routine when suddenly the angel Gabriel appeared and said, “Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women” (Luke 1:28).

What an amazing experience that must have been! The account in Luke informs us that Mary was afraid and very troubled by what Gabriel was telling her. How could this be that she – a virgin – was going to conceive in her womb and bring forth a son?

Mary began to respond to the angel by asking a question. In Luke 1:34, she says: “How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?” Mary began to interact with the angel by quizzing him on the exact meaning of what he was telling her.

The word “angel” is an English transliteration of the Greek word angelos, which essentially means “a messenger.” Angelos, therefore, can refer to anyone who brings a message – including a human being. In the Luke 1 account, the messenger is an angel from God and, specifically, the angel Gabriel. Angels never speak for themselves. They are messengers who speak for God.

Therefore, it was actually God who was informing Mary that she had been chosen to give birth to the Messiah. It was God who had conceived the incredible plan of a virgin birth, that a simple Jewish maiden would be impregnated by the Holy Spirit without ever having known a man. It was God’s plan.

Angels really do exist – they are special messengers of God! u

“Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women”

(Luke 1:28).

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W hat the Bible Says About the Future

Editor’s Note:

The study of biblical prophecy is both thrilling and rewarding. But it can also be challenging to understand how all the details fit together to form a comprehensive and logical narrative. As such, the information provided below is not intended to be an “article” – but rather a helpful summary resource of the prophetic themes associated with the Last Days.

Be Informed

God wants Christians to be both informed and excited about His future plans. I encourage you to review this summary and read each of the verses. Take time to study the primary prophecy passages, learning all God wants you to know about the coming of His Son, Jesus Christ (Daniel 7-12; Matthew 24; Mark 13; Luke 21; Romans 11; 1 Thessalonians 4-5; 2 Thessalonians 1-2; and the Book of Revelation).

Next, tell your family, friends, and fellow church attendees the truth about the End Times and the return of Christ.

Summary of End-Time Events

■ Jesus Christ is returning to Earth (Luke 21:27; Acts 1:9-11; Hebrews 10:37).

■ Jesus Christ is coming back as Lord, Redeemer, and Judge (Zechariah 12:10; 14:9).

■ Jesus Christ is coming back soon, for we now live in the End Times (Daniel 12:4, 9; Matthew 24:4-36).

■ Preceding Christ’s return, sin, evil, and wickedness will continue to plague the world, and increasingly so (Matthew 24:12; 2 Timothy 3:1-4).

■ The fact that Jewish people have returned to their land and reformed the nation of Israel is a key reason we know we are living in the End Times (Ezekiel 36-37; Luke 21:20-24).

■ God’s End-Time work with the Jewish people coincides – and is in conjunction – with His End-Time work with Christians (Matthew 24:9-27; Luke 21:9-24; Revelation Chapter 7).

■ “Birth pains” will occur in various parts of the world with increasing intensity before Christ’s coming. These will consist of false christs, wars, earthquakes, plagues, famines, and economic distress (Matthew 24:4-8; Luke 21:9-11; Revelation 6:1-8).

■ The breaking of the first six seals will result in events which must occur, and conditions which must be in place, before the end of the age and the rapture of the Church

(Revelation Chapters 6-7).

■ The world will soon enter Daniel’s 70th Week – the final seven years of this era of human history (Daniel 9:27; Revelation 12-13).

■ A covenant (treaty) between Israel and other nations, administered by the future Antichrist, will be confirmed at the beginning of Daniel’s 70th Week (Daniel 9:27).

■ The Antichrist and his kingdom will rise up and begin to rule a significant part of the world (Daniel 7:19-27; Revelation 13:3-8; 17:9-13).

■ The Antichrist will form a 10-nation coalition – a military power base – enabling him to rule over large areas of the world (Daniel 7:23-27; Revelation 13:3-8; 17:9-13).

■ At the midpoint of Daniel’s 70th Week, Satan will be cast down to Earth and will directly empower the Antichrist (Revelation 12:7-13).

■ There will be a great apostasy, as so-called “Christians” will abandon their “faith” and their God before Christ’s return. These defectors will turn against true believers, betraying them, and turning them in to the authorities (Matthew 24:10; 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4).

Written by Steven J. Hogan

Jesus Christ is coming back soon, for we now live in the End Times.

■ Many Jews and Christians living on Earth during the time of the Antichrist’s rule will undergo “great tribulation.” This “great tribulation” – which will be centered in Israel – is not God’s wrath, but refers to the distress, difficulties, and persecution a remnant of Jews and many believers will experience (Matthew 24:9, 21-22; Revelation 12:17; 13:5-7).

■ Having unbelievers receive his mark is one of the primary means by which the Antichrist (“the beast”) will control the economy, people, and the world (Revelation 13:16-17).

■ The coming and revealing of Christ will occur after the coming and revealing of the Antichrist (Matthew 24:15-31; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-9).

the first event to occur at Christ’s coming, and will take place sometime during the second half of Daniel’s 70th Week (1 Thessalonians 4:15-17; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-9).

■ Jesus Christ is coming back to rapture Christians because He wants to physically be with them, take them to their heavenly home, and show them His glory (1 Thessalonians 4:17; John 14:1-3; 17:24).

■ Christians will be raptured after the Great Tribulation is cut short, but before God’s wrath is poured out on Earth (Matthew 24:29-31; 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10; Revelation Chapters 6-8).

■ The four major events which will take place at Christ’s coming are the rapture of the Church, the

Christ, through the Holy Spirit, will be with every Christian to the end, whether that be the end of one’s life, or the end of this age.

■ Christ, through the Holy Spirit, will be with every Christian to the end, whether that be the end of one’s life, or the end of this age (Matthew 28:20; John 14:16-17).

■ The Gospel will be preached to all the nations, this age will end, and Jesus Christ will return to rapture the Christians living on Earth (Matthew 24:14, 31; 28:19-20).

■ This present age will end when heavenly signs are seen in the sky, and a great earthquake is felt all over the earth (Matthew 24:29; Revelation 6:12-14).

Jesus Christ is coming back to rapture Christians because He wants to physically be with them, take them to their heavenly home, and show them His glory.

■ Leading up to that wondrous event, Christians are to know the general time of Christ’s return, but only God knows the specific time – the exact day – of Christ’s return (Matthew 24:32-36; Hebrews 10:24-25).

■ The rapture of the Church will be

■ A large remnant of Jewish people physically living on Earth at the end of Daniel’s 70th Week will be spiritually saved (Isaiah 45:17; Romans 11:25-26).

■ At the end of Daniel’s 70th Week, the kingdom of the world – which had been controlled by Satan – will become the kingdom of the Lord (1 John 5:19; Revelation 11:15).

■ God’s Old Testament promises to the Jewish people will be fulfilled, in the End Times, at Christ’s coming, and during the kingdom age (Genesis 12:1-3; Psalms 47, 67, 72).

■ That we are now living in the End Times means we are approaching the end of this present age, which will be followed by the Millennial (1,000-year) Kingdom age, and then the eternal state (1 Corinthians 15:20-28; Ephesians 1:21; 2:7; Revelation 19-21).

and perseverance (Matthew 24:13; Luke 18:8; John 13:34-35; 2 Peter 3:11-13).

■ Your job as a Christian is to work for Christ, pray for His kingdom to come, proclaim the Gospel of the kingdom, tell others about His second coming, and wait and look for His return (Matthew 3:3; 6:9-10; 24:14; 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10).

■ Being in a good Bible-teaching church and having fellowship with other believers is essential if you are to be a godly, growing, and Godglorifying Christian in these days and in the years leading up to Christ’s return (Acts 2:42; Ephesians 4:11-6; 2 Timothy 4:18; Hebrews 10:25).

■ Bringing glory to God is the ultimate purpose of your life, now and forever (Jude 24-25).

All believers – those already in Heaven and those still living on Earth – will receive brand new bodies at the time of the Rapture. These bodies will be perfect, powerful, immortal, spiritual, and glorious.

wrath of God upon unbelievers, the redemption of a remnant of Jewish people, and the establishment of His kingdom over the world (Revelation 7-20).

■ All believers – those already in Heaven and those still living on Earth – will receive brand new bodies at the time of the Rapture. These bodies will be perfect, powerful, immortal, spiritual, and glorious (1 Corinthians 15:42-44; Philippians 3:20-21).

■ A believer’s salvation will be completed at the Rapture, at which time he or she will be glorified and made perfect forever (Romans 8:30; Philippians 1:6; 3:20-21).

■ A major reason for Christ’s return will be to punish the world; this punishment is described in detail in the Trumpet and Bowl Judgments (Psalm 98:9; Revelation 8-9, 15-16).

■ God is continually – purposefully, powerfully, and sovereignly –working in people’s lives, and working out events on Earth, bringing all things to that point when His Son will return, rapture Christians, and begin His reign over the world (Romans 8:28-30; Ephesians 1:9-11).

■ During the Millennial Kingdom age, believers will rule and reign with Jesus Christ over the entire Earth (Daniel 7:27; Matthew 19:28; Revelation 2:26-27; 5:10).

■ Satan, along with all the unrepentant unbelievers who have ever lived, will be cast into the Lake of Fire at the end of the Millennial Kingdom (Revelation 20:10, 15).

Your Responsibility

■ In the years leading up to Christ’s coming, you are to love God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength, and serve Him by using your gifts, talents, and money (Luke 10:27; 12:35-48; 19:11-27).

■ Being a faithful and fruitful Christian during the End Times requires faith, hope, love, holiness,

May God “confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:8-9).u

That we are now living in the End Times means WE ARE

APPROACHING THE END OF THIS PRESENT AGE, which will be followed by the Millennial (1,000-year) Kingdom age, and then the eternal state.

Steven J. Hogan has been a pastor-teacher for more than 25 years and has been the pastor at Hope Bible Church of Tampa, Florida, since 2003.

Why Believers Should Know How to DEFEND THE CHRISTIAN FAITH

[defense] to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear

Be a Defender

Have you ever had to “defend” Jesus, the Bible, or Christianity? How did you do? Well? Not so well? Do you wish you could have done better? Regardless of your answer, let’s agree it’s important for believers to know how to defend their faith.

The question is: Why is this so important? Let’s consider some things.

Discovering the Need

I was on an independent film shoot some years ago, and the audio man was Jewish. He asked me, “Michael, why are there four versions of the Gospel?” At the time, I had no idea why; I didn’t know what to tell him. It would have been a golden opportunity to share the Gospel with him as he had given me an opening, but I wasn’t equipped to make good on the opportunity.

In part, this is what got me interested in apologetics. I wanted to begin studying what it was I believed, and why I believed it. I wanted to be able to defend the Christian faith. I knew I needed to study Christian apologetics, and am convinced every believer should do the same.

Defining the Term

What does the word “apologetics” mean? One thing this word does not mean is apologizing for being a Christian, though in our culture, there are believers who hold to this definition. Rather, “Apologetics” is an area of theological study dedicated to intellectually defending truth claims. These “claims” include Jesus, the Bible, God, miracles, the Creation, and numerous other topics.

Several portions of the Bible address the importance of apologetics. One is Philippians 1:7, where the apostle Paul says,

Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence [sic] and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace (italics added).

Paul says something similar in verses 15-17:

Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence [sic] of the gospel (italics added).

This brings us to the classic “apologetics passage,” 1 Peter 3:15:

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer [a defense] to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear (italics added).

Written by Dr. Michael Weis

“Apologetics” is an area of theological study dedicated to intellectually defending truth claims.

The more people deny, denounce, and dismiss the Bible, the more we, as followers of Christ, need to stand up and say, “God’s Word is truth–and these are the reasons we believe it!”

The word “answer” here or “defense” (as well as in the passages in Philippians) is derived from the ancient Greek word apologia, which carries with it the image of an attorney presenting a court case. As we live out the Christian life, we have to think like Christian attorneys. We’re going to encounter people who have questions, and we’re going to have to answer those questions. We are also going to encounter those who are hostile, and we’ll need to address their objections.

When we acknowledge Christ as Lord, people are going to ask, “Why? What makes Christianity so different from all other religions?” Jewish people want to know why we believe Jesus is the Messiah. Muslims want to know why we believe Jesus is not a prophet like Mohammed, but instead is the Son of God. Hindus want to know why they should believe in Christ alone instead of multiple gods. Others want to know why they should believe in Jesus rather than … fill in the blank.

Other people will believe things contrary to Scripture. This is particularly true of cults. How about when some of these come to your door? What a great opportunity to tell them about Jesus! You have a captive audience right in front of you.

The Spurgeon Dilemma

The godly, renowned 19th century British preacher Charles Spurgeon offered his now-famous thoughts on the defense of the Gospel:

A great many learned men are defending the gospel; no doubt it is a very proper and right thing to do, yet I always notice that, when there are most books of that kind, it is because the gospel itself is not being preached. Suppose a number of persons were to take it into their heads that they had to defend a lion, a full-grown king of beasts! There he is in the cage, and here come all the soldiers of the army to fight for him. Well, I should suggest to them, if they would not object, and feel that it was humbling to them, that they should kindly stand back, and open the door, and let the lion out! I

believe that would be the best way of defending him, for he would take care of himself; and the best “apology” for the gospel is to let the gospel out.

Never mind about defending Deuteronomy or the whole of the Pentateuch; preach Jesus Christ and him crucified. Let the Lion out, and see who will dare to approach him.

The Lion of the tribe of Judah will soon drive away all his adversaries.

Of course, there is truth in Mr. Spurgeon’s words – especially in the fact that we can’t argue someone into faith in Christ. The Gospel itself is the power of God unto salvation. Mr. Spurgeon is right that we must preach Christ. But we also must understand that Mr. Spurgeon’s time was much different than today. In his day, there was a cultural respect for the Bible, even if people did not believe in it. There was even respect for pastors and preachers.

Sadly, this is not the case today, and because of this we need to defend the truth with boldness. The more people deny, denounce, and dismiss the Bible, the more we, as followers of Christ, need to stand up and say, “God’s Word is truth – and these are the reasons we believe it!”

Reasons to Engage in Apologetics

1. Scripture commands it. This takes us back to 1 Peter 3:15:

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer [defense] to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear (italics added).

2. The culture demands it. Yes, we “let the lion out,” but it must be demonstrated and defended in a world of lies. Believers must fight back against the lies perpetrated against God, Jesus, the Bible, and our faith.

3. Bad theology requires it. There is a ton of bad theology out there, and believers must be able to dispel the bad with good. Good theology is crucial.

4. Our minds need it. When we read the truth of God’s Word, we are nourished

in our relationship with God. Furthermore, God doesn’t expect us to believe blindly in Him. He wants us to study and be prepared. Paul told Timothy:

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15).

How Should We Engage in Apologetics?

Again, 1 Peter 3:15 is our source, particularly the last four words, “with meekness and fear.”

Whenever we defend the faith, we need to do so with kindness and gentleness. The goal is not to win an argument, but to demonstrate to a lost soul the saving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. We must be careful to never get angry or to dismiss others’ thoughts and beliefs as being ignorant. We are to engage them with patience and in love. We are to lovingly and boldly present the truth, but the Holy Spirit does the convincing, convicting, and conversion. We cannot change anyone!

Be prepared to be rejected, despised, or even hated. Remember, one of the claims of Christianity is that Jesus is the only way to salvation. We’re going to be accused of being narrow-minded, intolerant, and unloving because of this. However, this is the world we live in, and we must preach and defend the truth.

Ways to Improve Our Apologetic Skills

There are a variety of ways we can improve our skills.

First, we must know the Truth ourselves! We need to read, think upon, and study Scripture, as well as find good resources.

Second, and closely related, is to ask ourselves difficult questions: Do I know Jesus as my Lord and Savior? How do I know the Bible is true? What do I believe and why? Do I believe something only because my pastor or Sunday school teacher told me? How do I know the Bible is the only Word of God? While we should be able to trust church leaders, our faith is strength-

ened when we take the initiative to learn the Truth ourselves.

Third, our lives must reflect the life change only Christ can make. This does not mean perfection, but progression, being changed into His likeness. If our lives are not different than the world, why should the world listen to us?

Fourth, study! Get some apologetics books from biblically solid apologetics ministries with materials in written form, or video. Do your research, and by all means, pray to God for wisdom and discernment that you may be better equipped in defending your faith.

Fifth, think of the questions your family and friends have asked. What answers would you give them?

Last, consider the questions the world asks. These include core questions of the heart: Where did we come from? Why are we here? What happens at death? Why is there suffering in the world? What do I do with my guilt? What about evolution versus creation? These also include cultural questions: What is the definition of marriage? Is it right to abort babies? Why is it wrong for men to enter women’s locker rooms? Aren’t all religions the same?

Conclusion

This is a challenge for us. In recent years, I have been asked some difficult and heartfelt questions. As I look at the world and the Church, I am more and more convicted that Christians need to love the Truth, know the Truth, live out the Truth, and defend the Truth.

As we engage with the unbelieving world – particularly in a digital- and social-media age – the more we see a strong defense of the Truth is questioned, and this Truth is needed now more than ever. When we study Apologetics, we not only strengthen our faith, but we prepare ourselves to lovingly and boldly answer the questions others have, in order to clearly share the Gospel of the grace of God and salvation through Jesus, our Lord. u

Dr. Michael Weis is a professor, pastor, video operator, editor, and social media manager at Zion’s Hope.

Whenever we defend the faith, we need to do so with kindness and gentleness. The goal is not to win an argument, but to demonstrate to a lost soul the saving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.

We are to lovingly and boldly present the truth,

BUT THE HOLY

DOES THE

CONVICTING, AND CONVERSION. We cannot change anyone!

Excellent Online Apologetics Websites

■ Answers in Genesis: answersingenesis.org

■ Associates for Biblical Research: biblearchaeology.org

■ Josh McDowell Ministries: josh.org

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A Towering New Capital Is Rising in Egypt

David Rosenthal May-Jun

A Tribute to Marv Rosenthal

David Ettinger Jan-Feb

A Word From the Word

Dan Hayden (“Branch,” “Correction”) Mar-Apr

A Word From the Word

Dan Hayden (“In Christ”)........................................... May-Jun

A Word From the Word

Dan Hayden (“Doctrine”) Jul-Aug

A Word From the Word (“Supplication”)

Dan Hayden.................................................................... Sep-Oct

A Word From the Word (“Angel,” “Lovingkindness”)

Dan Hayden Nov-Dec

America’s “Quad Alliances”

David Rosenthal ........................................................... Mar-Apr

End-Times Invasion

David Rosenthal Sep-Oct

Facing the Reality of Heaven and Hell Marv Rosenthal Jul-Aug

Fears Grow in Egypt Over Nile River Crisis

David Rosenthal Jul-Aug

Galatians Part 5: Paul vs. Peter Marv Rosenthal Jan-Feb

Galatians Part 6: The Futility of Returning to the Law

Marv Rosenthal ............................................................ Mar-Apr

Galatians Part 7: Covenants, Angels, and Mediators

Marv Rosenthal May-Jun

Galatians Part 8: The Mosaic Law and Salvation

Marv Rosenthal Jul-Aug

Galatians Part 9 (1): How Hebrews Fits In Marv Rosenthal Sep-Oct

Galatians Part 9 (2): God’s Promise and Oath

Marv Rosenthal Nov-Dec

Good News From a Far Country

David Rosenthal ........................................................... Mar-Apr

Israel at the Center of It All

David Ettinger and David Rosenthal May-Jun

Middle East Peace Will Prevail

David Ettinger ............................................................... Mar-Apr

Ministry Highlights

Zion’s Hope Staff May-Jun

Paul and the Reprobate Rulers

David Ettinger ................................................................ Sep-Oct

Servant’s Heart Challenge 2022

David Rosenthal Jan-Feb

Tension on the Temple Mount

David Rosenthal ...........................................................Nov-Dec

The Believer’s Glorious Future!

Steve Hogan Jul-Aug

The Millennium Maze

Marv Rosenthal May-Jun

The Vantage Point of End-Times Prophecy

Steve Hogan Sep-Oct

The Wonder of the Word

Marv Rosenthal Mar-Apr

Welcoming Alina!

Alina Theodor .................................................................Jan-Feb

What the Bible Says About the Future

Steve Hogan Nov-Dec

Why Believers Should Know How to Defend the Christian Faith

Dr. Michael Weis Nov-Dec

AUTHOR INDEX OF ARTICLES

MARV ROSENTHAL

Facing the Reality of Heaven and Hell Jul-Aug

Galatians Part 5: Paul vs. Peter ..........................................Jan-Feb

Galatians Part 6: The Futility of Returning to the Law Mar-Apr

Galatians Part 7: Covenants, Angels, and Mediators ............................................................... May-Jun

Galatians Part 8: The Mosaic Law and Salvation Jul-Aug

Galatians Part 9 (1): How Hebrews Fits In Sep-Oct

Galatians Part 9 (2): God’s Promise and Oath Nov-Dec

The Millennium Maze May-Jun

The Wonder of the Word................................................. Mar-Apr

DAVID ROSENTHAL

A Towering New Capital Is Rising in Egypt May-Jun

America’s “Quad Alliances” Mar-Apr

End-Times Invasion Sep-Oct

Fears Grow in Egypt Over Nile River Crisis ................. Jul-Aug

Good News From a Far Country Mar-Apr

Servant’s Heart Challenge 2022 Jan-Feb

Tension on the Temple Mount

David Rosenthal Nov-Dec

DAVID ETTINGER

A Tribute to Marv Rosenthal Jan-Feb

Middle East Peace Will Prevail Mar-Apr

Paul and the Reprobate Rulers ........................................ Sep-Oct

DAVID ETTINGER AND DAVID ROSENTHAL

Israel at the Center of It All May-Jun

DAN HAYDEN

A Word From the Word (“Branch,” “Correction”) Mar-Apr

A Word From the Word (“In Christ”) .......................... May-Jun

A Word From the Word (“Doctrine”) Jul-Aug

A Word From the Word (“Supplication”) Sep-Oct

A Word From the Word (“Angel,” “Lovingkindness”)Nov-Dec

MICHAEL WEIS

Why Believers Should Know How to Defend the Christian Faith ...................................Nov-Dec

STEVE HOGAN

The Believer’s Glorious Future! ........................................ Jul-Aug

The Vantage Point of End-Times Prophecy Sep-Oct

What the Bible Says About the Future Nov-Dec

ALINA THEODOR

Welcoming Alina! Jan-Feb

ZION’S HOPE STAFF

Ministry Highlights May-Jun

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