5 Responses

1. A problem I have with Europe/Rome oriented end-times belief is that it seems that their real-world geopolitical knowledge is minimal. Consider a book by George Friedman, who I seriously doubt follows/believes in eschatology and yet looking at real-world history and geopolitics, does not see a place for a strong, unified Europe for quite some time. There will be alliances and unification, but not in a manner that the Roman view supposes. Instead, Mr. Friedman sees the rise of Turkey. And as to the harlot, the Arabian peninsula fits that bill quite well. Far better than Rome/Italy/Europe.

2. I read “Mystery Babylon”, “God’s War on Terror” and “The Islamic AntiChrist”. All very compelling books. I believe you’ve made a very strong case for the re-emergence of the Ottoman Empire as the Beast from Revelation. However, I cannot hold to your mid-Trib or pre-Wrath view of the Rapture for a number of reasons. I think, Joel, you’re wrong on that one. I’ve heard short clips of your debate with Bill Salus but after watching this Prophecy Watchers episode, I may go ahead and listen to the whole debate. I would love it if you could make an appearance on Prophecy Watchers sometime and talk with Gary Stearman. It would be my favorite episode. Keep Watching, Joel. We are.

3. My position on the rapture is that we should be prepared for the worst regardless as to our view. It’s a win-win for everyone. Blessings!

4. My position on the rapture is that it is impossible to prepare for the Tribulation. It is equally impossible to prepare for the Rapture. It’s not about preparation. It’s about expectation. Preparation is rooted in our works. Expectation is rooted in our faith. Nowhere in scripture does it tell the church to wait for the Beast. Mathew 25: 10 says we are to wait for the bridegroom. Sorry if I’m contentious about this issue. I would rather mention how much your books have affected my thinking on this very important issue. I gave them to my brother in law and he loved your books too. I am completely sold on your premise that Mecca will be Mystery Babylon. That the Beast will be a Muslim seems to make sense too but only if his signs and wonders will deceive the Jews. Otherwise I cannot see Israel accepting a Muslim messiah. And Walid’s interpretations of Revelation are unlike anything else I’ve ever heard. Very interesting book you wrote with him. Just wanted to my last word to be that I’m a big Joel Richardson fan and regularly watch The Underground. Thank you.

5. Bill,

   I do appreciate your comments. In must be said however that Jesus actually did command us to be prepared for both His return AND tribulation, specifically in the context of the Last Days. In His Olivet Discourse, He said:

   12 “But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and will persecute you, delivering you to the synagogues and prisons, bringing you before kings and governors for My name’s sake. 13 It will lead to an opportunity for your testimony. 14 So make up your minds not to prepare beforehand to defend yourselves; 15 for I will give you utterance and wisdom which none of your opponents will be able to resist or refute. 16 But you will be betrayed even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death, 17 and you will be hated by all because of My name. 18 Yet not a hair of your head will perish. 19 By your endurance you will gain your lives. (Luke 21)

   Elsewhere Jesus commands us to, “be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour that you do not expect.” (Luke 12:40).

   Likewise, by the Spirit Peter said:

   Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 1:13)

   It should also be said that sometimes Pre-Trib brethren will say of those who are not things like, “I am not waiting for the Antichrist, I’m waiting for Jesus!” In fairness, this is a rather silly and unnecessary comment. We are all awaiting Jesus equally. The Scriptures command us to be ready for tribulation in general. My position is that if we are prepared for general tribulation even to the point of being willing to lose our lives daily, then IF we are called to do so in the context of the great tribulation, we will be able to do so. The timing of the rapture is certainly a matter to fight about.

   Blessings,
   Joel