2024 Jan-Feb Zions Fire Magazine

The Any-Moment Rapture Model: Is It Really Biblical?

Guided By the Spirit, or Walking in the Flesh?

Galatians Part 11

The tour is a one-of-a-kind land and sea adventure that will take you to some of the most beautiful and biblical destinations on Earth!

Simply use your smart phone (in camera mode) to scan the QR codes we’ve provided throughout the magazine. After scanning, click on the link that appears on your phone to watch and listen. WATCH

FLASHPOINT GEOPROPHECY REPORT

Red Heifers and the Fight for Al-Aqsa

David Rosenthal

The top military spokesman for Hamas listed motives for the terror group’s October 7th massacre of innocent Israelis. Shockingly, he declared, “the Jews are bringing red cows.” ...

INSIGHT REPORT

Why Study the End Times?

Dr. Michael Weis

Studying the End Times is all about embracing biblical truth that impacts our lives now, and prepares us for “things to come.”

INSIGHT FEATURE

The Any-Moment Rapture Model, Part 1

Is it Really Biblical?

Dr. Alan Kurschner

Pretribulationism and imminence are key for many churches within their statements of faith, but are they biblically accurate?

INSIGHT FEATURE

The Mystery and Intrigue of Daniel Chapter 5

David Ettinger

Daniel 5 is intriguing not only because of what is included, but for what isn’t – the fascinating Babylonian background.

INSIGHT FEATURE

Guided by the Spirit, or Walking in the Flesh? Galatians, Part 11

Marv Rosenthal

The apostle Paul teaches believers how to live in the freedom we have, and shun the bondage that could hinder our faith.

INSIGHT FEATURE

A Word From the Word

Dr. Dan Hayden

The word for “trouble” is more intricate than we know; it is best exemplified by the image of the Lord Jesus on the cross.

A one-year subscription is $20. A two-year subscription is $30. Add $10 per year for foreign subscriptions. 407-654-ZION (9466) • 1-888-781-ZION (9466) Identification

Michael Ufferman

David Ettinger

Our Purpose and Passion

Zion’s Hope is a Bible-based ministry whose purpose is to proclaim to Jewish and Gentile people throughout the world their need for personal salvation through Jesus, the Messiah of Israel. We’re also committed to helping Christians grow in their understanding of biblical prophecy and the importance of Israel in God’s plan for the Last Days. To that end, we teach Scripture in its historical, geographical, and cultural context to prepare God’s people for end-time events and the return of Jesus Christ.

Giving Your generous support for the ministry of Zion’s Hope is greatly appreciated. All donations will generate a tax-deductible receipt.

ISRAEL AND THE END OF THE AGE –FROM CURRENT EVENTS TO THE COMING OF CHRIST

With geopolitical conflicts and military clashes escalating across the Middle East and around the world, it’s clear that humanity is racing toward the end of the age. In light of this reality, we must ask some important questions:

n What are the real facts and the spiritual implications of the October 7th terrorist massacre in southern Israel? n What should our response be as Christians to the anti-Israelism raging throughout the world? n What does the Bible say regarding Israel’s future role in God’s plan for Planet Earth? n When the Antichrist arises, which nations will be aligned with him prior to his invasion of Israel? n What will be the signs of Christ’s Second Coming?

These and other important questions were answered at our recent “Things to Come Bible Prophecy Summit.” With 11 in-depth sessions delivered by 7 insightful Bible teachers, this DVD album provides a wealth of biblical insight to help you better discern the times and face the challenges ahead. Order your album today!

n

The religious significance of red heifers for Jews and Christians is rooted in the Old Testament book of Numbers, Chapter 19, and the ritual purification required of priests for service in the Temple.

One of the first things an experienced military strategist will tell you is, “Know your enemy.” It’s no secret that the Islamist terror organization, Hamas, harbors deep-seated hatred of Israel and is obsessed with destroying the Jewish state. It’s also a well-known fact that Hamas – and millions of Islamic zealots throughout the world – are motivated (and often incited) by their religious ideology and political aspirations.

platform on which both structures rest is known by Muslims as Al-Haram al-Sharif (the Noble Sanctuary), but they also refer to it simply as Al-Aqsa. The mosque compound is held in very high regard by Muslims as the third most-holy site in the Islamic world, after Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia.

But why would Hamas code-name a military attack planned for southern Israel –more than 75 miles away from Jerusalem –“Al-Aqsa Flood”? To most of the world, this term meant very little, and was largely ignored. But to devout Islamists, they understood it to be a rallying cry – a call to Palestinians living in the West Bank, to Hezbollah in Lebanon, and to Muslims across the region – to join them in Jihad (an Islamic holy war) and “flood” Jerusalem.

Hamas, Red Cows, and Texas

More evidence that Hamas has its sights set on the Holy City came during recent remarks made by Abu Ubaida, the top military spokesman for the terrorist organization. In his speech marking the 100th day of the war in Gaza, he listed motives for the terror group’s brutal massacre of innocent Israelis last October. Shockingly, he declared, “the Jews are bringing red cows” to the Holy Land.

But the questions must be asked: “How and where do they believe they can achieve their ultimate objective?” The answer to the former is “through war and conquest.” The answer to the latter is, “the city of Jerusalem.” Evidence of this can be clearly seen in the events of October 7 and in the months following the horrific massacre.

A very important, but under-reported fact related to the attack was that Hamas’ leaders chose to name their operation “Al-Aqsa Flood.” Al-Aqsa is the name of the Islamic gray-domed mosque located on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. Perched atop the southern retaining wall of the mount, it is far less known to most of the world in comparison to another Islamic structure on the holy mount – the iconic golden Dome of the Rock – which appears more prominently in panoramas of Jerusalem.

The entire 35-acre Temple Mount

The cows he was referring to are red heifers that were brought to Israel in 2022 with great fanfare and excitement by Uvne Jerusalem, a group committed to seeing a Third Jewish Temple rebuilt in the Holy City. The Israeli group had earlier embarked on an extensive search for the rare animals before discovering a Christian farmer in Texas who was a breeder of red heifers. Special permission was obtained to import the animals to Israel.

The religious significance of red heifers for Jews and Christians is rooted in the Old Testament book of Numbers, Chapter 19, and the ritual purification required of priests for service in the temple:

And the Lord spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, This is the ordinance of the law which the Lord hath commanded, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring thee

a red heifer without spot, wherein is no blemish, and upon which never came yoke: And ye shall give her unto Eleazar the priest, that he may bring her forth without the camp, and one shall slay her before his face: And Eleazar the priest shall take of her blood with his finger, and sprinkle of her blood directly before the tabernacle of the congregation seven times: And one shall burn the heifer in his sight; her skin, and her flesh, and her blood, with her dung, shall he burn (Numbers 19:1-5).

In September of 2022, the heifers imported to Israel from Texas were only 11/2 to 2 years old. But in order to meet the stringent religious requirements for the ritual purification ceremony for the priests serving at the temple, the heifers would need to be at least 3 years of age and be free of any spot, blemish, or any white or black hair. Thus, the October 2023 timing of Hamas’ attack is noteworthy. According to project leaders, two additional requirements must also be met:

■ First, the sacrificial ceremony must take place on the other side of the Kidron Valley, on the Mount of Olives, in a location directly aligned with the original Temple and the Holy of Holies. More than 12 years ago, a plot of land was purchased by Rabbi Yitshak Mamo of Uvde Jerusalem on the Mount of Olives that would meet this requirement – thus making it possible to fulfill this ritual standard.

■ Second, purified priests are required for the ceremony. According to The Temple Institute – another well-known organization in Jerusalem with aspirations to construct a Third Temple –Jewish priests are already prepared and standing at the ready to reinstitute the animal sacrificial system

From the comments made by Hamas, there can be no doubt that Islamists are fully aware of the desire by certain organizations within Israel to construct a Third

Jewish Temple on the Temple Mount. This is an affront to all Muslims, and thus, Hamas’ reference to Israel’s importing of red cows was an incitement for an Islamic Jihad against Israel to “defend the Muslim holy sites.”

The Scriptures are clear that another Jewish Temple will indeed be built in Jerusalem – even as Israel’s ancient animal sacrificial system is reestablished (Daniel 9:26-27). However, most Jewish people in Israel do not share the vision of a rebuilt Temple – and the official position of the Israeli government is to “maintain the status quo” on the Temple Mount. Nonetheless, there is a small but growing sentiment within Israel to see a Third Jewish Temple rise majestically upon the holy hill of Zion.

The war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas is simply the opening salvo in a greater war that looms over Jerusalem like a dark cloud. I am not simply speaking of the coming war for the Holy City that will be seen by human eyes, but of a largely unseen spiritual war that is raging even today, between God and Satan, and between the Jews and their enemies.

As we rocket toward the end of the age, this spiritual war between light and darkness will continue to manifest itself with more frequency and intensity on the physical battlefield of Israel until it finally breaches the walls of Jerusalem.

But just when it seems all hope is lost –when Satan’s progeny is about to deliver a crushing blow to the faithful remnant of God’s people, Jesus will descend from the sky in power and glory to vanquish the Antichrist, rescue His people, and claim Jerusalem and its Temple Mount. In that day, Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus the Messiah) will inherit what rightfully belongs to Him – the kingship of Israel and the throne of Planet Earth.

For now, the ongoing war in Gaza is on the periphery of the battlefield. But if you listen carefully, you can already hear the enemy beating the drums of war in anticipation of their ultimate attack on Jerusalem. u

G EO P ROPHECY R EPOR T

From the comments made by Hamas, there can be no doubt that Islamists are fully aware of the desire by certain organizations within Israel to construct a Third Jewish Temple on the Temple Mount.

CONNECT

Red Heiffers and the Fight for Al-Aqsa

David Rosenthal

LISTEN

WHY STUDY THE

End Times?

“He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”

– Revelation 22:20

A Legitimate Question

The apostle John was sentenced by Roman authorities to the prison colony on the island of Patmos for preaching the truth of God’s Word, and for his testimony about Jesus Christ (Revelation 1:9). While there, he was given a detailed vision of the End Times. We know it today as the last book of the Bible – Revelation.

After a brief introduction, John penned seven letters to seven churches, and then followed this by detailing events that will take place at the end of this age of human history and into eternity.

It is not my purpose here to discuss the various End-Times views, but to address an often-asked question: “Why study the End Times?”

It’s a legitimate question with a legitimate answer.

Five Key Points 1

. Most Bible students don’t realize there are more prophecies concerning Jesus’ Second Coming than His First. There are more than 300 prophecies in the Old Testament concerning the First Coming of Christ, all perfectly fulfilled between His conception and His ascension. This being the case, it is both logical and appropriate, to expect the same accuracy regarding the prophecies associated with His Second Coming. Why would we not want to diligently study the biblical texts related to His return?

2. In his discussion regarding the future Day of the Lord, the apostle Peter makes it clear that understanding End-Times truths will lead us to living holy and righteous lives in the peace and power of Christ during these difficult days (2 Peter 3:10-18). Some don’t want to study the End Times because they think it is merely theoretical –symbolic instead of real.

On the flip side, some won’t study the End Times because they think it won’t affect them. Both views are incorrect. End-Times events are not mere theory. These events will occur in reality – and the Church will be present on Earth for most of them.

3. Third, there is a special blessing for those who study the Book of Revelation – and by implication the doctrine of the End Times (called “eschatology”). The apostle John wrote: “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand” (Revelation 1:1-3).

With more than 300 quotes or inferences to the Old Testament found within Revelation, it is the most “Jewish” book in the New Testament, with the exception of Hebrews, regarding quotes from the Old Testament. Thus, studying the End Times immerses Bible readers into the entirety of Scripture.

4. Two portions of Scripture –

1 John 2:18 and Hebrews 1:2 –both written in the first century A.D. – specifically state we are living in the “last days.” We have been living in them for many centuries now. This is not sensationalism or news-media hype – it is reality.

How close we are to the end, no one knows. But studying the Scriptures related to the “Last Days” informs us of what will take place on the earth, prepares us for what Christians will face before the return of Christ, and warns us to watch for specific signs. Are you ready? The sobering reality is that Christians will not escape persecution!

5. Last, the main purpose for studying the End Times is to, “grow in the grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). What better study than the End Times to see God’s sovereign control over all things? What better study to bring us hope and strength for today and confidence for tomorrow?

Studying the End Times is not about gaining knowledge for knowledge’s sake, but about learning and embracing biblical truth that will impact our lives today, and prepare us for “things to come.”

Are you prepared? Even so come, Lord Jesus! u

Written by Dr. Michael Weis

Most Bible students don’t realize there are more prophecies concerning Jesus’ Second Coming than His First.

Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand – Revelation 1:1-3

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

IsItReallyBiblical? RAPTURE MODEL PART 1 : The

In Part 1 of this two-part series, I will describe the Any-Moment rapture model defined by adherents of pretribulationism. The reader will be introduced to a clear, unambiguous understanding of this theological concept that is prevalent in many Christian circles.

In Part 2, I will explain why being aware of this concept matters and propose instead the Any-Generation rapture model I believe represents a more plausible and biblical understanding of our attitude in expecting the return of Jesus.

“Perhaps today!” is a common exclamation heard in many Christian circles.

‘Perhaps Today!’

“Perhaps today!” is a common exclamation heard in many Christian circles. A version of this is found in the popular hymn:

Jesus may come today Glad day, glad day! And I would see my friend; Dangers and troubles would end If Jesus should come today

Many – including myself – grew up in a tradition hearing “Jesus could come today,” as well as the similar exclamation “Jesus could return at any moment.” We were told we needed to confess our sins before we fell asleep each night, lest Jesus come back that evening as we slept. Many Sunday School lessons taught that Jesus is “always at the door,” which was understood to mean He could open the

door at any moment.

This looming axiom of an imminent return is intended, successfully or not, to prepare believers to meet Jesus. This “any moment” return has come to be defined as imminence. Itinerant evangelists preached imminence for decades at revival meetings, youth conferences, camps, and retreats.

George Eldon Ladd observed:

The idea of the restraining influence of the imminent, “any-moment” coming of Christ, as frequently interpreted, suggests that the highest motive for Christian conduct and for separation from the world is that of fear. Since the Lord may come at any moment, I do not dare to do some things I would like to do and might otherwise do, lest He come and catch me.1

Some may object that Ladd’s comment is a bit overstated. Regardless, it captures a sentiment found within many Christian circles. To be sure, fear is not a bad thing in itself, for the Bible uses it to warn people to “fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28).

To be sure, fear is not a bad thing in itself, for the Bible uses it to warn people . . .

“Fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Matthew 10:28

Jesus and the New Testament writers frequently warned their audiences not to become complacent during Jesus’s delayed return, lest the Day of the Lord come upon them suddenly (Matthew 24:42-25:30). (Another motivator for Christians to live holy, of course, is meeting the One who saved us from sin and eternal death.)

The ordinary teaching of an “anymoment rapture” has been engrained in the psyche of American Christianity for more than a century. It has been repeated often enough that it is unquestionable. However, we should stop to think what it really means, or if it’s true. The belief in the so-called “any-moment” rapture is usually found, though not exclusively, within churches that hold to the theology of pretribulationism. It is held by many evangelical churches, denominations, Christian colleges, seminaries, and missionary agencies.

For many churches, pretribulationism and imminence are obligatory within their statements of faith, appended by a couple of proof texts. For many, denying or challenging imminence is tantamount to denying the virgin birth. This belief is often placed as a first-tier article in their statements of faith alongside the deity of Christ, the inspiration of Scripture, and the Gospel itself.

I do not intend to denigrate such churches and their members. I know godly people in those churches who love the Lord deeply. It is so deeply rooted in evangelicalism, especially British and American circles, that many Christians who have never experienced direct connection with pretrib-

Jesus and the New Testament writers frequently warned their audiences not to become complacent during Jesus’s delayed return, lest the Day of the Lord come upon them suddenly (Matthew 24:42-25:30).

For many, denying or challenging imminence IS TANTAMOUNT TO DENYING THE VIRGIN BIRTH.

1 George Eldon Ladd, The Blessed Hope: A Biblical Study on the Second Advent and the Rapture (Grand Rapids: MI: Eerdmans, 1956), 144.

If it is God’s truth, then opposing God’s truth is in vain:

[I]F THIS COUNSEL OR THIS WORK BE OF MEN, IT WILL COME TO NOUGHT: BUT IF IT BE OF GOD, YE CANNOT OVERTHROW IT . . .

–

Acts 5:38-39

We must not fall into the erroneous (fallacious) mindset that we must not question our heroes out of the fear that “if they are wrong on imminence, on what else are they wrong?” No one consistently has perfect doctrine.

ulation circles have been influenced by it to one degree or another.

But is it true? Did Jesus and the biblical authors teach pretribulationism and imminence? Sometimes we need to be jolted by such basic questions, requiring us to step back from our generational traditions and examine these questions afresh in light of Scripture. As Christians, we should not be afraid to do this. If it is God’s truth, then opposing God’s truth is in vain:

[I]f this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God (Acts 5:38-39).

If a long-held belief is challenged and found to be true, we can be more confident

has perfect doctrine. If your pastor or spiritual hero is wrong, that does not mean you should begin to doubt everything they have taught you. The situation is not either/or, as if these mentors and heroes must be perfect in every doctrinal point or they are wrong on every point.

We must possess the maturity to distinguish emotional attachments to traditions from those teachings that genuinely express God’s truth. We need to frequently examine our traditional beliefs with prayer, reliance on the Holy Spirit, and biblical study. “Prove [examine] all things; hold fast that which is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). After all, don’t we want to believe what is true? It is our spiritual mandate.

We want to be faithful to the truthful intent of God’s Word and to build up the

We need to frequently examine our traditional beliefs with prayer, reliance on the Holy Spirit, and biblical study. “Prove [examine] all things; hold fast that which is good.” 1 Thessalonians 5:21

than we were in the first place, and that is a good thing. But if we never challenge a traditional belief that may be false, we will continue to believe it, not learning that it is false. It is biblically imperative to examine what we believe. The Bible teaches that we need to be like the Bereans, who

were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so (Acts 17:11; see also 1 Thessalonians 2:13).

We can have attachments to particular biblical teachings we learned from our youth, which is not a bad thing in itself. Perhaps our heroes of the faith hold to pretribulationism, or our pastors and family members do. We must not fall into the erroneous (fallacious) mindset that we must not question our heroes out of the fear that “if they are wrong on imminence, on what else are they wrong?” No one consistently

faith and vigilance of Christians for the return of Christ. The Bible clearly teaches Jesus is coming back personally, visibly, and bodily (see John 14:3; Acts 1:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:16; Hebrews 9:28; 1 John 3:2; Revelation 1:7). But is it true that “Jesus could come today”?

Defining Pretribulation Imminence

One of the key terms associated with pretribulation theology is imminence. I will define this term so that we do not talk past one another. There are variations of this term that theologians use interchangeably: imminent, imminency, and any moment

Another expression is “secret coming” or “secret rapture.” Do not confuse these terms with the theological term immanence, which refers to God’s dwelling presence among His creation, in contrast to transcendence, in which God is also separate from His creation. In addition, imminence should not be confused with the term eminence, which means “fame”

. . . the term imminence is used in a general sense of something that could happen soon. For pretribulationists, however . . . it is not simply that Jesus’s return may be soon or impending; rather it is that no prophesied events must intervene before the return of Christ to rapture His saints.

or “recognized distinction within a certain sphere of activity.”

In everyday language, the term imminence is used in a general sense of something that could happen soon. For pretribulationists, however, there is a narrower, more technical definition. It is not simply that Jesus’s return may be soon or impending; rather it is that no prophesied events must intervene before the return of Christ to rapture His saints By return, holders of this view mean the Rapture, not the second coming. In their framework, they disconnect the Rapture from the Second Coming by the seven years that make up Daniel’s 70th Week, which they consider to extend over the same space or time [be coextensive] as God’s wrath.

In other words, the Rapture will occur immediately before the seven-year period begins, while, they claim, the Second Coming will occur at the end of the seven-year period. Pretribulation eschatology contends there will be a seven-year interim (or to use their term, “Tribulation period”) which will take place between the present Church Age and the Millennium –Christ’s 1,000-year Kingdom. During this period, traditional pretribulationism maintains God works only with Israel and not the Church, and therefore infers the Church must be raptured before God resumes His program with Israel.

Related to this foundational presupposition, pretribulationism teaches the Rapture is signless and unannounced. This view holds that the Bible does not predict any intervening prophetic events will occur before the Rapture; hence, it can happen “at any moment.” If even a single predicted event occurs before the Rapture, according to this view, then Christ’s return can no

longer be considered imminent.

In their interpretive framework, the Bible does not prophesy a single sign or event that must occur before the Rapture. Some events “may” happen before the Rapture (for instance, the reestablishment of the nation of Israel), but no predicted events must happen. The rapture of the Church, therefore, is not conditioned upon any signs or events. Signs “were given to the nation of Israel,” it is believed, and not to the Church. Therefore, pretribulation interpreters conclude that Christ can return today, this hour, or in the next moment.

The belief in imminence is the sine qua non – something absolutely essential –for many pretribulation theologians. For example, Mark Hitchcock, asserting the heart of pretribulationism, states, “the strongest and probably the simplest reason is what is often called imminence” (Could the Rapture Happen Today?, 119).

Noted pretribulation exponent John F. Walvoord writes, “For the most part, scriptural evidence for imminence today is

Written by Alan E. Kurschner

ACCORDING TO PRETRIBULATION INTERPRETERS, The rapture of the Church . . . is not conditioned upon any signs or events.

.

. . pretribulation interpreters conclude that Christ can return today, this hour, or in the next moment.

equivalent to proof of the pretribulation viewpoint” (The Rapture Question, Rev. ed., 73). He further states, “For all practical purposes, abandonment of the pretribulation return of Christ is tantamount to abandonment of the hope of His imminent return” (75).

For all practical purposes, abandonment of the pretribulation return of Christ is tantamount to abandonment of the hope of His imminent return. John Walvoord

The following are statements from seasoned pretribulation interpreters on defining imminence:

Charles C. Ryrie:

u “An imminent event is one that is always ready to take place. Pretribs recognize that something may happen before an imminent event occurs, but they do not insist that anything must take place before it happens; otherwise, it would not be imminent” (Come Quickly, Lord Jesus, 22, emphasis his).

could come at any moment” (“Is Christ’s Return Imminent?”, 12).

Richard L. Mayhue:

u “One cannot have imminency in regard to the Rapture, if there are precursors” (“Bible’s Watchword,” 83).

Robert L. Thomas:

u “By common consent imminence means that no predicted event will precede the coming of Christ” (“Imminence in the NT,” 204).

Mark Hitchcock:

u “First, imminency means that, from the human perspective, the Rapture could occur at any moment. Other events may take place before the Rapture, but no event must precede it. …

Second, imminency means that the Rapture is a signless event. … Third, imminency means that the Rapture is certain to happen, but not necessarily soon” (Could the Rapture Happen Today?, 119–20, cf. 155, emphasis his).

This article is an excerpt from Alan Kurschner’s book, Pretrib: Examining the Foundations of Pretribulation Rapture Theology – and has been used with permission.

Pretrib Book: $15.95

Softback, 190 pages

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J. Dwight Pentecost:

u “ To the church no such signs were ever given. The church was told to live in the light of the imminent coming of the Lord to translate them in His presence. … The doctrine of imminence forbids the participation of the church in any part of the seventieth week” (Things to Come, 203–204).

John Walvoord:

u “

There is no teaching of any intervening event. The prospect of being taken to heaven at the coming of Christ is not qualified by description of any signs or prerequisite events” (The Rapture Question, Rev. ed., 73).

John MacArthur:

u “ There are no other events that must occur on the prophetic calendar before Christ comes to meet us in the air. He

These pretribulation interpreters consistently agree that imminence requires no intervening prophetic events taking place before the Rapture. In short, they believe there are no signs to look for, so it can happen “at any moment.”

But the question must be asked: “Are they correct?” Our admiration and respect for these men of God should not preclude us from asking this crucial question. Does the Bible really teach an imminent, anymoment rapture? Or, does it teach that the Rapture of the Church could occur in any generation subsequent to specific prophecies being fulfilled?

In Part 2, I will introduce the Any-Generation rapture model that I believe represents a more plausible and biblical understanding of our posture in expecting the return of Jesus – and why it matters. u

7 REVELATION TOUR

SEPTEMBER 2024

Join David & Ilona Rosenthal for this extraordinary biblical journey to Greece, Patmos, and Turkey!

Our Patmos and 7 Churches of Revelation tour is a one-of-a-kind land and sea adventure that will take you to some of the most beautiful and biblical destinations on Earth! With Scripture as our guide, we’ll savor each step of our journey, digging deep into the ancient historical and biblical significance of each location.

Amid the stunning scenery of Patmos, the Aegean Sea, and the ancient biblical cities of the Turkish coast, we’ll focus on the Book of Revelation, the apostle John’s letters to the 7 Churches, and the sequence of epic events leading to the triumphant return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

What a wondrous journey this promises to be! My wife and I, along with our Zion’s Hope staff, eagerly look forward to sharing this amazing experience with you. Space is limited. Make your reservations today!

RESERVATIONS:

GREECE

Day 1 – Depart USA

Day 2 – Athens

Day 3 – Athens/Corinth

Day 4 – Fly to Samos/Cos & Ferry to Patmos

Day 5 – Patmos

Day 6 – Patmos/Ferry to Kusadasi, Turkey

TURKEY

Day 7 – Miletus/Pamukkale

Day 8 – Hieropolis/Laodicea/ Colossae

Day 9 – Philadelphia/Sardis/ Izmir

Day 10 – Smyrna/Pergamum/ Thyatira

Day 11 – Ephesus

Day 12 – Depart Izmir/Istanbul to USA

The

MYSTERY of DANIEL

The Book of Daniel is critical to our understanding of both history and prophecy –but it is also undeniably intriguing.

The first six chapters are what is referred to as “narrative” – that is, a story or an account of events. This includes:

■ The relocation of Daniel and his three friends from Israel to Babylon (Chapter 1);

■ Nebuchadnezzar’s dream and Daniel’s interpretation of it (Chapter 2);

■ The setting up of Nebuchadnezzar’s massive statue and Daniel’s friends being tossed into the fiery furnace because they wouldn’t bow to it (Chapter 3);

■ Nebuchadnezzar going mad for seven years (Chapter 4);

■ The events of Chapter 5, which we’ll look at in a moment; and

■ Daniel in the lion’s den (Chapter 6).

AND INTRIGUE CHAPTER 5

The book then takes a dramatic turn in Chapters 7 through 12 as prophecy becomes the focus (though Chapter 2 is packed with prophecy, as well).

But perhaps the most fascinating narrative portion of Daniel is Chapter 5, and it is fascinating not only because of what is included in the chapter – as spectacular as that is – but for what isn’t included, the Babylonian background which serves as the catalyst for the chapter.

If you need a refresher on Daniel 5, I suggest you set aside this article for a few minutes, read the chapter, then come straight back!

Chapter 5

If you’ve done your Chapter 5 reading, you are aware of its “ingredients”: A great feast hosted by Babylonian King Belshazzar; the sudden and shocking writing on the wall by unembodied fingers; the aged Daniel (at this time about 80 years old) being summoned to interpret the writing; Daniel being richly rewarded for his interpretation; and finally the defeat of the Babylonian Empire by the Medes and Persians.

That’s what we know; but what’s under the surface? What about Daniel 5 don’t we know? As it turns out, plenty! For instance:

■ First, at least 23 years have passed between Chapters 4 and 5.

■ Second, King Belshazzar is not the son of King Nebuchadnezzar, though verse 11 seems to indicate this. Third, four kings reigned between

■ Fourth, Belshazzar – who was a capable soldier, but a poor politician – wasn’t even the true king.

■ And fifth, the events of Daniel 5 occurred on the FINAL day of the Babylonian Empire as that night the Medo-Persian army – led by Ugbaru, governor of Gutium –breached the walls of Babylon, killed Belshazzar, and became the world’s next superpower (v. 30).

What a background! Let’s break it down and fill in the missing details.

Chronology

Because Chapter 5 follows Chapter 4, one would logically assume the time frame is but a few years later, but this is not the case. In fact, 23 years have transpired between the two chapters, and several monarchs have sat on the throne following the reign of Nebuchadnezzar and preceding that of Belshazzar.

This fact often confuses Bible students, a confusion which can be attributed to verse 11, in which the “queen” tells Belshazzar:

There is a man in thy kingdom, in whom is the spirit of the holy gods; and in the days of thy father light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, was found in him; whom the king Nebuchadnezzar thy father, the king, I say, thy father, made master of the magicians, astrologers, Chaldeans, and soothsay

Written by David Ettinger

… perhaps the most fascinating narrative portion of Daniel is Chapter 5, and it is fascinating not only because of what is included in the chapter – as spectacular as that is – but for what isn’t included, the Babylonian background which serves as the catalyst for the chapter.

Because Chapter 5 follows Chapter 4, one would logically assume the time frame is but a few years later, but this is not the case.

Abba

… the Hebrew word for father – the familiar Abba – can also mean “predecessor” or “ancestor,” and this is precisely how it is used here.

The reference to Nebuchadnezzar being the “father” of Belshazzar leads most Bible students to think that he immediately succeeded his “father” Nebuchadnezzar as king. However, the Hebrew word for father – the familiar Abba – can also mean “predecessor” or “ancestor,” and this is precisely how it is used here.

Nebuchadnezzar is in fact Belshazzar’s ancestor, specifically his grandfather.

We should also note that the “queen” (whose name may have been Nitocris, though historians are split on this) is not the queen at all as she is not Belshazzar’s wife, but Belshazzar’s mother. She is, in fact, the Queen Mother and Nebuchadnezzar’s daughter (though again, historians don’t all agree on this).

Marduk was assassinated (in a plot likely led by Belshazzar). He was succeeded by Nabonidus, who reigned 17 years (556-539 B.C.) and was Babylon’s final king.

Why No Mention?

The kings who PRECEDED

Belshazzar:

NEBUCHADNEZZAR

Belshazzar’s grandfather

EVIL-MERODACH

Son of Nebuchadnezzar was murdered in 560 B.C.

NERIGLISSAR

Nebuchadnezzar’s son-in-law (ruled 560556)

LABASHI-MARDUK

son of Neriglissar (ruled two months in 556)

NABONIDUS

reigned 17 years (556539 B.C.) but was never mentioned in the Bible, allowed his son

Belshazzar to co-rule

These behind-the-scenes facts beg the questions: Who were the kings who preceded Belshazzar, and as mentioned earlier, how is it that Belshazzar is not actually the true king? Let’s start answering these questions by taking a quick look at the succession of monarchs from Nebuchadnezzar to Belshazzar.

Succession of Babylonian Kings

Nebuchadnezzar, one of the towering figures of the Bible (not always in a good way, though many believe he came to a true faith in the God of Israel), reigned 43 years (605-562 B.C.). When Nebuchadnezzar died, He was succeeded by his son EvilMerodach, who reigned only two years, 562-560 B.C. The name “Evil” is Babylonian for “man” or “servant,” therefore his name doesn’t imply he was an evil man.

Why did he reign for such a short time? As is typical in pagan governments, foul play was afoot. Evil-Merodach was murdered in 560 B.C. by Nebuchadnezzar’s son-in-law (Evil-Merodach’s brother-in-law) Neriglissar, who ruled four years (560-556 B.C.). This Neriglissar, though not mentioned in the Book of Daniel, is mentioned in the Bible as he is the Nergal-Sharezer of Jeremiah 39:3, 13.

After his short reign, Neriglissar was succeeded by his son Labashi-Marduk, who ruled just two months, May and June of 556 B.C. Just like Evil-Merodach, Labashi-

Nabonidus? The final king? Daniel Chapter 5 takes place on the very last day of the reign of Belshazzar, meaning he was the final king of Babylon. If this is the case, how could Nabonidus be the final king? Also, if Nabonidus reigned 17 years, why is he never mentioned in the Bible? Even EvilMerodach is mentioned twice in the Bible (2 Kings 25:27; Jeremiah 52:31), and he only reigned two years! One would think a Babylonian ruler whose reign was second in length only to that of Nebuchadnezzar would get at least one mention.

So, what’s the story with Nabonidus and his 17-year rule?

A key passage that alerts us to the mystery is verse 7. The unembodied fingers “wrote over against the candlestick upon the plaister of the wall of the king’s palace” (v. 5), leading Belshazzar to utter: “Whosoever shall read this writing, and shew me the interpretation thereof, shall be clothed with scarlet, and have a chain of gold about his neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom” (v. 7, emphasis added).

In essence, Belshazzar was saying, Whoever can read and interpret the writing on the wall will be the second most powerful man in all of Babylon – second only to me.

If this is so, why would he declare the reader/interpreter as the “third ruler” (or third “highest”)? Why not the second highest? As we have seen, Belshazzar was not the highest ruler in Babylon, but the second highest. It is true he was currently “running the show,” but he was not the number one man. That, of course, was his father, Nabonidus, the mystery king of the Book of Daniel.

So, what’s Nabonidus’ story?

The Actual King

Following the death of Nebuchadnezzar, Babylon – with all the wickedness and intrigue among governmental leaders –began to lose its glory. That which

Nebuchadnezzar had achieved began to be dismantled by his power-hungry descendants. Because of the frequent royal assassinations, no monarch lasted long enough to accomplish much of anything, and the empire suffered significantly because of it.

Nabonidus (whose name means “May [the god] Nabu be exalted”) was well aware of this and, to his credit, he worked hard to restore Babylon’s prestige. He wanted to see Babylon return to its glory days. He did an admirable job, but being a “stationary” ruler didn’t suit him. As it turns out, his mother – Adad-Guppi – was the high priestess of the moon god Sin at Haran. It seems her influence rubbed off on Nabonidus as he made it his objective to spread the Babylonian religion far and wide. Specifically, he set out to increase the status of Sin and decrease that of Babylon’s traditional deity, Marduk.

Belshazzar made Daniel the “third [highest] ruler in the kingdom” (v. 29), and not the second highest. Upon Daniel’s appointment, the new (but short-lived) order of Babylonian authority was: Nabonidus, the highest; Belshazzar, the second highest; Daniel, the third highest.

Babylon

Daniel’s rise to third-highest official of the empire lasted but a few hours (and quite frankly, it was something he never wanted anyway, v. 17). This is because of another fact of which we’re not told: On the night of Belshazzar’s raucous party, the MedoPersian army was stationed just outside the walls of Babylon, besieging the hapless city. Belshazzar may have thrown the massive banquet to give the impression that the Babylonians had nothing to fear.

To accomplish this, Nabonidus traversed his empire restoring and expanding abandoned temples and spreading his idolatrous beliefs. In all, the spiritually-minded monarch was away from Babylon for 10 of his 17 years (552-542 B.C.), spending most of his time in Tayma, Arabia. He seemed to have few qualms leaving the kingdom to Belshazzar, who was not the true king, but co-regent with his father. Despite the fact that Belshazzar acted as king, such was Nabonidus’ popularity that he was always regarded as the one, true king of Babylon at this time.

Nabonidus returned to Babylon in 542 B.C., but he allowed Belshazzar to lead the country as he continued to nurture his religious endeavors. Eventually, his co-reign with his son came to an abrupt and harsh end with the lightning quick victory over his empire by Darius the Mede in 539 B.C. Though Belshazzar was killed, historians believe Nabonidus was captured but spared; ultimately being banished to another part of the new Medo-Persian Empire. Historians are unsure as to how much longer Nabonidus lived.

Short-Lived

As we return to the narrative of Daniel 5, all the above helps us better understand why

He clearly underestimated the impending danger awaiting him as he would soon be dead: “In that night was Belshazzar the king of the Chaldeans slain. And Darius the Median took the kingdom, being about threescore and two years old” (vv. 30-31, emphasis added).

Dig Deeper!

This deeper look at Daniel Chapter 5 is just one example of how studying the Bible – and the history, culture, and environment in which it is set – can be one of the richest and most fulfilling endeavors the lover of God’s Word can undertake.

If you have never read through your entire Bible, I encourage you to do so at your own pace. But upon completing this necessary, enlightening, and joyous undertaking, challenge yourself to go further. Purchase a good commentary or other study guide and examine the Scriptures more deeply.

A good commentary will begin its exploration of each book of the Bible with crucial background information such as the year the Bible book was written, who wrote it, and the political and historical facts not included in the biblical account. Such background information adds depth and richness to our understanding and appreciation of the Holy Scriptures.

May the Lord bless you abundantly as you seek to dig deeper into His eternal, life-changing, and glorious Word! u

… the narrative of Daniel 5 helps us better understand why Belshazzar made Daniel the “third [highest] ruler in the kingdom” and not the second highest. Upon Daniel’s appointment, the new order of Babylonian authority was:

NABONIDUS

The highest

BELSHAZZAR

Second highest

DANIEL

Third highest

This deeper look at Daniel Chapter 5 is just one example of how studying the Bible – and the history, culture, and environment in which it is set – can be one of the richest and most fulfilling endeavors the lover of God’s Word can undertake.

Tayma

OR WALKING IN THE FLESH?

Throughout the Book of Galatians, Paul deals with the wonderfulness of grace and how it is superior to the bondage of the Law. He has made his case and laid his foundation. It is for this reason he can begin Chapter 5 with the words, “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”

There it is again, freedom and bondage. However, this time, Paul no longer has to teach us what these terms mean, but to show us how to live in the freedom we have, and to shun the bondage. This is the Emancipation Proclamation of the Christian faith. This does not mean we, as Christians, have the liberty to live any way we see fit, but that we are no longer under tutors and governors; we are children of the Father and have His authority. We have the freedom to live “up” to this very high calling. We are to stand fast in this freedom and not fall back into bondage – the years of requirements and works.

Circumcision Today, the Entire Mosaic Law Tomorrow

In verse 2, Paul condemns point-blank one of the staples of the Judaizers’ teaching. To the Judaizers, circumcision was of utmost importance. To them, without circumcision, a man could not be regarded as acceptable before God.

Therefore, Paul writes: “Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.” According to the Judaizers, circumcision is the first step into conversion to the Mosaic Covenant. However, circumcision for the Christian has no spiritual worth. In fact, any attempt through works to draw nearer to Christ will only pull the Christian further away from a meaningful relationship with Him.

Paul continues: “For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law” (v. 3).

Circumcision is the starting point, not the final step. If a Christian is circumcised for spiritual reasons, he places himself under the Mosaic Law and is obligated to adhere to all of it – the civil, moral, and ceremonial laws. To be circumcised is to be obligated to the entire law, not just a few of one’s choosing.

In verse 4, Paul continues to hammer away at the foolishness of those seeking refuge in the Mosaic Law: “Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.” To accept a system of works is to alienate Christ and be subject to spiritual futility. The life of the Christian is to be led under the umbrella of Christ’s grace. To be circumcised is to cast off grace. This does not mean a loss of salvation, but a totally erroneous application of the grace of Christ to the believer, whose life would be characterized by works and deeds as a means of maintaining salvation.

Paul continues in verse 5: “For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.” In contrast to the legalists, believers await the completion of their salvation through faith, and not by works. Ultimate righteousness awaits those who seek it by faith. Paul confirms this in verse 6: “For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.” If there is any kind of “work” involved in true saving grace, it is the “work” of love. Paul says elsewhere, “Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law” (Romans 13:8).

But Paul is still astounded, and again he questions the actions of the Galatians (whom he had already referred to as “foolish”): “Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?” (v. 7). As Christians living in grace, the Galatians were doing fine; why would they suddenly change course? What could have turned them away from the truth? Paul, of

Written by Marvin J. Rosenthal 1935–2022

To accept a system of works is to alienate Christ and be subject to spiritual futility. The life of the Christian is to be led under the umbrella of Christ’s grace.

Believers are not even to think about the notion of using grace as a license to sin. This line of thinking must never even be approached.

course, knows the answer. It is the legalists, and their “persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you” (v. 8). The Galatians must stay clear of this false teaching because, “A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump” (v. 9). In other words, just a small dose of leaven today (circumcision) will lead to a whole lot of leaven (attempting to adhere to all of the Mosaic Law) tomorrow.

In verse 10, however, Paul lets up, bestowing upon the Galatians a muchneeded word of encouragement: “I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be.” Now that Paul has made his case, he is confident the Galatians have both the proper logic and the pliable hearts to change the direction they are going and get back on the right course. In the meantime, those who are spreading the false teaching will be dealt with, probably by the Holy Spirit.

extreme and fully emasculate themselves. This was the practice of priests of the pagan cult of Cybele in Asia Minor. This is very strong language from the Apostle!

But Paul quickly returns to his argument in verse 13, appealing to the Galatians’ logic: “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.” Paul doesn’t want them shifting to the other extreme by saying, We are no longer under Law; we don’t have all these laws telling us what we can and cannot do. We can do what we please!

Grace is not a license for fleshly living. This is why Paul writes in Romans 6:1, “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?” He answers his own question in verse 2, in no uncertain terms: “God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?”

Believers are not even to think about the notion of using grace as a license to sin.

The Judaizers were dividing the body; they were engaged in bitter strife. Paul wants love to rule the day, not the devouring of one another resulting in severe emotional and spiritual damage.

GALATIANS 5:14

The Spirit vs. the Flesh

In verse 11, Paul sets out to correct some false reports: “And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased.” Apparently, the legalists are accusing Paul of promoting circumcision, which is a lie. If this were the case, Paul argues, why are the Judaizers at odds with him? Why condemn one who supports their claims?

In his condemnation of the Judaizers, Paul employs one of the strongest expressions in all of his epistles: “I would they were even cut off which trouble you” (v. 12). In other words, while the Judaizers are circumcising themselves, they should take it to the

This line of thinking must never even be approached.

Far from living to fulfill the lusts of the flesh, believers are to remember, “… all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Galatians 5:14). This is about as plain and simple as it gets, and it stands in direct opposition to verse 15: “But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.” This is what has been happening at the church in Galatia. The Judaizers were dividing the body; they were engaged in bitter strife. Paul wants love to rule the day, not the devouring of one another resulting in severe emotional and spiritual damage.

Therefore, Paul shows the Galatians how to practice love and cease their bitter dissent: “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh” (v. 16). Believers are to yield to the indwelling Holy Spirit. When believers are saved, the Holy Spirit takes up residence in us (1 Corinthians 2:12; 3:16). Yielding ourselves to the leading, power, and direction of the Holy Spirit will naturally cause us to live in love toward other believers.

Regarding the “lust of the flesh,” Paul is not exclusively referring to the sensual, but all wrong desires. All we say and do should be guided by the Holy Spirit; if not, our desires are being driven by our flesh. The Spirit and the flesh are always at war within the Christian. Believers must strive to submit to the Spirit; He must win the battle. Within every believer is the conflict between the Spirit and the flesh; none of us is immune to it. I have shared in the past about a woman named Fannie, the dear missionary woman who led me to the Lord. When I was still a teenager, she sat me down and used a metaphor to help me understand an important truth. “You have two dogs inside you – a good dog and a bad dog,” she began, “and both are fierce fighters. One of those dogs will win, the one you allow to sic the other. Which dog are you going to submit to: the good dog in the story, which represents the indwelling Spirit of God, or the bad dog – the flesh? Are you willing to allow the Holy Spirit to direct you?

Paul rephrases his argument in verses 17-18:

For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.

Again, both the Spirit and the flesh reside within us, and they cannot coincide peacefully. One will win out over the other. For believers, the Spirit must always be the winner. The Spirit is of grace; the flesh is of the Law.

The Great Contrast

In verses 19-21, Paul lays out the “fruits” of the flesh. Those who live according to the flesh are guaranteed to produce the following: “Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance [discord], emulations [jealousy], wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like.” There is no explanation needed; the list speaks for itself. These are the practices of the flesh and the practices of pagans. How do we know this? We know this because Paul says “they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God” (v. 21).

As a child of God, who is living according to the Spirit, this list will be abhorrent to you. Such a list should motivate us to get down on our knees daily and ask God for the grace to live in holiness and righteousness. And, just in case you are wondering what it means to live in holiness and righteousness, Paul has a ready answer in verses 22 and 23: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”

Such fruit must be credited to the Holy Spirit, not the believer. While we still live in our flesh, we are incapable of producing such fruit; it is only the Holy Spirit living within us who can do so. When Paul writes, “against such there is no law,” he means the Mosaic Law is incapable of producing such fruit. The Mosaic Law will produce certain actions of an outward nature, but only the Spirit can bring about such godly fruit from the inside.

Paul continues in verse 24: “And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.” This verse is written in the past tense. At salvation, the authority of the flesh to rule over us was destroyed. When we came to faith in Jesus Christ, we, our old life – with all its sin and immorality – was nailed to the cross. The idea is that our old nature, which is still in us, can no longer dominate us. We are no longer to live to gratify it. Every time we feel the old nature rising up within us, we are to submit to the power of the indwelling Holy

Regarding the “lust of the flesh,” Paul is not exclusively referring to the sensual, but all wrong desires. All we say and do should be guided by the Holy Spirit; if not, our desires are being driven by our flesh.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

– GALATIANS 5: 22-23

The Mosaic Law will produce certain actions of an outward nature, but only the Spirit can bring about such godly fruit from the inside.

This side of Heaven, we will never arrive at a point where we completely overcome sin. This ultimate victory will come when we leave this life behind and inherit our eternal blessings.

Spirit who strengthens us and gives us the victory.

We must remember, however, that this is a daily occurrence. This side of Heaven, we will never arrive at a point where we completely overcome sin. This ultimate victory will come when we leave this life behind and inherit our eternal blessings.

Paul continues to encourage the Galatians – and all believers – in verse 25: “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” The word “if” is better translated as “since.” Paul is not saying believers maybe walk in the Spirit, or maybe not. Rather, he is stating it as fact. “Since we live in the spirit” … the assumption is already made. We already have the promise of

Version words it this way: “Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.” Again, drawing upon behavior already being practiced by the Galatians, Paul points out three attitudes which must be dispensed: conceit, provoking, and envy.

Paul’s mention of “conceit” is a call to humility. God does not want believers thinking too highly of themselves (Romans 12:3) and regarding themselves as better than other believers. This is not the hallmark of a believer. Instead, “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other[s] better than themselves” (Philippians 2:3).

“Provoking” is likely a reference to those

eternal life. We already have the Holy Spirit living within us. We already have the mandate to live a life of holiness and righteousness.

In the next issue of Zion’s Fire: “Part 12: Living in Grace.”

Though believers in Jesus are free from the Mosaic Law, Paul tells us they are still obligated to fulfill the law of Christ, which is to care about fellow believers and help them to carry their burdens.

What we don’t have is the absolute, infallible ability to at all times walk in the spirit as we wish we could. We must strive to live the new life we have in Christ. In saving us, God has not removed our free will; we still have the capacity to commit sinful deeds if we choose. However, we may also choose to do what is right by yielding to the Spirit.

Paul ends this great chapter with a warning against three works of the flesh: “Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another” (v. 26). The New King James

who were challenging other believers to live up to their wrongly exalted standard of living. Such behavior was common under law, a sort of “I dare you to be as holy as me!” Jesus accused the scribes and Pharisees of such behavior in Matthew 23.

“Envy” is the sin of jealously desiring something possessed by someone else. Perhaps it is to attain the perceived outward holiness of another. Instead, every individual believer is to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12).

In Chapter 5, Paul has explained the difference between walking in the flesh and walking in the Spirit. However, he is not through; there is more he must teach the Galatians – and us. u

WWritten by Dr. Dan Hayden

TROUBLE

– Psalm 22:11

hen a person is particularly evil, we will sometimes say, “He’s nothing but trouble.”

Christ’s death on the cross was ultimately the thwarting of evil, but as our Lord hung in pain, dying for the sins of the world, evil gathered itself around Him. In fact, there was a concentration of evil at the Hill of the Skull (Calvary) that day – unparalleled in the history of the world.

Psalm 22 gives us insight into all of this, including what the Savior was thinking as He faced this onslaught of evil. The Messiah was praying – talking to the Father – when He said: “Be not far from me; for trouble is near; for there is none to help” (v.11).

As the fulfillment of this Messianic Psalm, Jesus was feeling entirely alone in His titanic struggle with evil. Even the Father had forsaken Him. Trouble was near – in fact, all around as He continued to pray for help, even though He knew help would not come.

The word “trouble” is a word that literally means “tightness.” It comes from a root that refers to a narrow, tight place, as when an

adversary would crowd in upon a victim. Jesus was in a tight strait, as evil crowded in upon Him.

There was the mocking, sneering crowd; and there were the rough, crude Roman soldiers. But there was far more than that closing in upon Him; for all of humanity’s sins were being placed upon Jesus.

Additionally, Satan and his demonic host were allowed to do their worst. The angelic hags cackled as the demons coiled to strike –their fangs dripping with venom. Death was there gathering its shroud to encompass our Savior, and Satan was posed to pierce Him through.

Jesus was in our place, dying for our sins. Indeed, trouble was near.

Now you know the real meaning of the word “trouble.”

Are you part of the trouble? Or have you trusted Christ as your Savior? u

“Be not far from me; for trouble is near; for there is none to help.”

(Psalm 22:11)

This Summer, our Zion’s Hope ministry team and volunteers will share the light of the Gospel with Jewish and Gentile people in Israel during our Servant’s Heart missions program. Many Israelis are experiencing pain and emotional distress as a result of the Hamas massacre and ongoing war in Gaza. Our trained team will sow the seeds of hope and healing by providing biblical counseling, encouragement, and financial assistance to those struggling.

We’ll also provide care to the young and elderly, food for the poor, support for young mothers, and funding for worthy partner ministries. But we can’t do it alone. Please pray for these vital projects and consider what the Lord would have you give to help us sow the seeds of hope & healing.

Please use the enclosed envelope. Donations made to the Servant’s Heart (SH) program will be used in their entirety for the various SH projects. Any funds that exceed the SH budget will be used for the ongoing ministry work of Zion’s Hope in Israel.