30 Responses

1. Amen, brother Joel. You know my heart is with you on this issue. The Church, Abraham’s adopted children, has a responsibility to Abraham’s natural children in what is to come.

   To my reading Matthew 25 speaks to this plainly. In Matthew 24, the Olivet Discourse, Jesus gives us the signs of his coming and the End of the Age. Then at the end of Matthew 24 and throughout Matthew 25 He teaches on the implications of this coming! Church this is for us.

   First is the parable of the good and evil slave. What is the evil slave doing? Beating his fellow slaves upon his Master’s return and eating and drinking with drunkards. His master returns and assigns him a place with the hypocrites. This of course will be the Tribulation so who are the fellow slaves being beaten? Might it be Jacob?

   Second is the parable of the 10 Virgins. 5 have oil for their lamps (Thy Word is a Lamp unto my feet) and 5 do not. All have the lamp but 5 have the “oil” to light their lamps prior to their masters return at the end of the Tribulation and know what to do and what to expect. A relationship to the Holy Spirit to receive His guidance is crucial. Jesus’ words are cutting “I did not know you”, not “you didn’t know me”. Folks will know Jesus but will he know them?

   Third is parable of the talents. If we invest the wealth of God’s Word during the Tribulation we will rule cities upon His return. If we hide his Word for ourselves he will cast us out into outer darkness.

   Fourth is the judgment of the nations into sheep and goat nations. When Jesus says to the nations what you did unto the least of these my brethren did he mean all people, believers or Jews. It can certainly be argued that since this is a teaching on how to act during the Tribulation that how we respond to the Jews determines our sheep or goat status.

   In my mind these are the teachings for our generation. Is the Church ready? My plea is we awaken them to this calling.

2. Joel,

   It is quite clear that the biggest (and perhaps the only) real, existential threat to Israel and Christianity today is Islam. How does the Preterist method deal with Ezekiel 38,39 if, according to this method, Israel’s worst days are behind her?

3. Vernon,

   There are few limitations to the creative ways in which preterists manipulate the historical and Scriptural data to conform to their positions. Concerning Ezekiel 38, 39, the only effort I am aware of to interpret that as fulfilled in History is in a book by Gary Demar. Demar claims that Gog is simply Haman of the Book of Ester, and the invasion described by Ezekiel is simply what occurred when Haman made an effort to wipe out the Jews who were largely in the dispersion at the time. You have to give him kudos for the effort, but in my opinion, he still failed quite miserably to actually deal with the full content of the prophecy, particularly in its larger context. As for Ezekiel 40-47, I cannot remember if he even attempted to take a stab at those passages or not. I have to qualify my critique of Gary’s thesis by saying that despite my strong differences of opinion with him, we have had coffee and he is a very nice guy and a good brother with great intentions.

4. Out of all your posts, Joel, your teaching posts are my absolute favorites. I can’t help it! When God gives His grace to understand his Word, spiritual hunger for more is the result. The reason for my constant monitoring of your blog among other things. I am so glad God gave you the gift of teaching!

5. I totally agree good4u!

6. http://www.wnd.com/2013/12/south-sudan-descending-into-chaos/

   Joel,

   What do you make of this?

7. Bonjour Joel,

   Thank you for your interesting insights. It is always a pleasure to visit your site!

   In your article you talk about an “unparalleled tribulation for the Jewish people”, but will the Jewish people be the only ones concerned?

   Jeremy actually addresses both Israel and Judah : “Now these are the words which the LORD spoke concerning Israel and concerning Judah…”

   The term Israel usually refers to the 10 tribes of the Northern Kingdom, while Judah refers to the 2 tribes of the Southern Kingdom. Together, Israel and Judah represent the whole house of Israel (made of 12 tribes).

   When the Bible refers to Jacob, it usually stands for the whole House of Israel (12 tribes) and not just Judah/the Jews. So it stands to reason that Jacob’s trouble will involved both the Jews (the House of Judah) and the rest of Israel (the 10 Northern tribes which have been dispersed and have merged with the Gentile nations).

   Some if the House of Judah have returned to their historical homeland, so it stands to reason that if the epicentre of the tribulation to come is Israel, then Judah will be the first touched. Having said that, when we look at the current persecution of Christians in the Middle East and when we know that amongst these Christians it is possible that a large number of them are actually physical descendants of the House of Israel, then Jacob’s trouble seems to have already started for most of them…

   Just a few thoughts…

   Love, blessings and shalom

   FX

8. Hi FX,

   First, while there is no doubt truth to the belief that residual genes of the northern tribes have come to be spread throughout the earth and many, though not all Christians have trace amounts of those genes, in no way does this give anyone the right to view themselves as physically representing Israel if they are a Gentile. I am of the opinion that the “Two House” theory so popular among the Hebrew Roots movement which claims that all Christians today are in fact the lost ten tribes, is in an aberrant doctrine which uses traces of truth and takes it way too far. While the NT uses the term Gentile in a few different ways, it clearly continues to call Gentiles who have come to faith Gentiles after their conversion and never calls them Israel. Otherwise the Counsel of Acts 15 which determined that Gentiles do not need to be obedient to Torah would not have been necessary. I absolutely do believe that the Lord will restore the two houses eschatologically according to Ez. 37. But only the Lord can do this.

   That said, yes, of course all who are of faith will suffer, but in context, according to the words of Jeremiah, Gabriel and Jesus, the time of Jacob’s Trouble is a term primarily referring to Israel. We Gentiles who wish to be grafted into Israel’s glory should also seek to be grafted into their suffering as we minister to Israel in the Wilderness and lay down our loves to minister to Jacob in the time of Jacob’s Trouble. I think this reality is best seen here:

   But the earth helped the woman by opening its mouth and swallowing the river that the dragon had spewed out of his mouth. Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to wage war against the rest of her offspring—those who keep God’s commands and hold fast their testimony about Jesus. Rev.12:16-17

   Blessings to you!

9. Joel,

   Thanks for posting this. I have two questions though:

   1) When you say that this is the “most significant and looming challenge to the Church today. Nothing else compares. So what are we doing about it?” what do you mean? As far as I can see this has nothing to do with the church outside of Israel, this is a prophetic word to the Jewish nation. What are you expecting other christians who live on different continents to do about this?

   2) The last point is the point of the holocauste. You argue that this was worse than the way that the Israeli nation was brutally murdered and exiled in the roman period. Why are you so sure? The writings of Josephus show that the things done to the Jews in that time were equally vicious, creul, and barabaric. They were more horrific than you perhaps realise, and we can’t assume that they were necessarily more humane.

   My view on this is that Jesus was definately preparing his church and talking about AD 70 in the book of Luke, but the same passages in Matthew and Mark have an extra element in them, which places them at the end of time. Daniel 26-27 indisputably speak of AD 70. So the scriptures were preparing the church for a terrible judgement on the Jewish people following their rejection of Christ in AD 70, but it seems probable that they also indicate a second period to come right at the end. It is worth noting that this preperation worked, because the Christians read the signs and indeed got out in time, and survived. The judgement in AD 70 only fell on the non believing Jews.

   Thanks

10. Daniel 9 verses 26 – 27.

11. Dave,

    Concerning your first question. Imagine if you knew for certain, according to Bible prophecy as well as global trends that there was about to be a globally concerted and fairly successful attempt to exterminate every single Rwandan or Ethiopian or Tibetan. Would you question the relevance of this to the Church? Would you go onto a Christian discussion board and ask others why it matters to you, as you live in Europe and not Africa or Asia?

    Jesus’ specific teaching relevant to your question is summarized thusly:

    “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’ “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’ “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’ “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.” Matthew 24:41-46

    Concerning your second question: Simply stated, roughly 1.5 million Jews died during the First Jesus War. 6 million during the Holocaust.

    Concerning your comments:

    Daniel 26-27 indisputably speak of AD 70.

    I would suggest that you reconsider your understanding of the term “indisputable”. I am unaware of any chronology that begins with a decree and through adding 490 years will arrive at 70 AD. Any suggestion that this was completely fulfilled in 70 AD, in my opinion, is indefensible.

    I hope this has helped.

    Blessings

12. JEREMIAH 30:9 TELLS US THAT THEY WILL SERVE THE LORD THEIR GOD AND DAVID THEIR KING WHOM I(THE LORD) WILL RAISE UP FOR THEM. THIS IS A FUTURE EVENT BECAUSE KING DAVID HAS NOT BEEN RAISED FROM THE DEAD YET AND ISRAEL IS NOT SERVING JESUS YET. UNTIL AND AFTER THIS HAPPENS WE NEED TO KEEP BLESSING ISRAEL. PRAY AND THE LORD WILL LEAD EACH PERSON HOW TO BLESS ISRAEL WHILE ISRAEL GOES THROUGH JACOB’S TROUBLE IN THE FUTURE UNTIL THEY ARE SAVED FROM IT. I BELIEVE THE NATION OF ISRAEL WILL ONLY BE SAVED FROM THAT TIME OF TROUBLE WHEN THE LORD COMES BACK TO SET UP HIS KINGDOM ON EARTH.

13. Bonjour Joel,

    Thanks for your feedback!

    Regarding the “Two House” issue, I think the most important thing to understand is that the Jews do not represent all of Israel. The Jews, who are the descendants of the tribe of Judah, only represent 1/12th of Israel (or if we take into account the Southern Kingdom of Judah which included the tribe of Benjamin, then we can talk of the 2/12th of Israel).

    Israel is not just the Jews. There are 10 other tribes out there! Most people do not understand that 10 of the 12 tribes of Israel have been swallowed up by the nations (they completely lost their Israelite identity contrary to the Jews who always kept it).

    Addressing the 10 tribes of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, Hosea prophesied that they would be dispersed among the nations and would no longer be God’s people anymore…until the day they would be called the “children of God” (Hos 1.10).

    We know from Scripture that to be called a child of God, one has to receive the light of Yeshua (John 1.12), hence become a Christian. Therefore it is not surprising that a lot of people see the Christians as being the descendants of the 10 tribes! They are the very ones called the Children of God which is the exact fulfillment of the prophesy given to the 10 Northern tribes of Israel!

    Furthermore the only New Covenant mentioned in the Bible is done with two entities only: the House of Israel (10 tribes of the Northern Kingdom) and the House of Judah (2 tribes from the Southern Kingdom). There is no covenant with an entity separated from Israel called the “Chruch”.

    Are all believers in Christ either descendant from the House of Judah or the House of Israel? No because, we also know that true Gentiles (without any Israelite physical affiliation) can come in. The most important thing to grab is that whoever comes in the New Covenant (whether being a physical descendants from one of the 12 tribes of Israel or not), they all belong to the Israel of God : the assembly (kahal/eklesia/church) of the called out ones.

    Whether a believer is a physical descendant of one of the tribes of Israel (from the Jewish Israel or from any other none Jewish tribes) or not is irrelevant in my opinion! Whatever one may say or claim, such physical lineage is not 100% provable anyway. What is important to understand is that God only has one covenant people called Israel…And as part of Israel, we are commanded to walk like the Word commands Israel to walk (which is like Yeshua walked!). And since you mention it, this is exactly what the Counsel of Acts 15 commands Gentiles believers to do!

    You may think otherwise, but if one looks at things thematically, then we realize that the 3 commandments given to the new believers in Acts 15 come directly from the very heart of Torah (Leviticus 17 & 18). Check for yourself, I’m not making this up!

    Acts 15.29 sums up these commandments. They are :

    1-Don’t eat meat sacrificed to animals (Acts 15:29, 1st phrase). It relates to Proper Worship. The parallel can be found in Leviticus 17:1-9.

    2- Don’t drink/eat blood or eat strangled animals (Acts 15:29, 2nd & 3rd phrase). It relates to Proper Diet. The parallel can be found in Leviticus 17:10-15.

    3- Don’t commit fornication (Acts 15:29, 4th phrase). It relates to Proper Sexual Relations. The parallel can be found in Leviticus 18:1-30.

    Tony Robinson (who points out the above) asks: “how do we know beyond a shadow of a doubt that Acts 15:29 is thematically related to Leviticus 17-18? Because, Acts 15:29 is a summary of Leviticus 17-18. Even the order is the same! … The requirements placed on the Gentiles in Acts 15:29 are the same Torah commandments listed in Leviticus 17-18! So much for the Torah being abolished. The Jerusalem council simply gave the new Gentile converts Torah commandments (which were still valid, even for non-Jews)”.

    To which I say Amen!

    Blessings dear bro,

    FX

14. Good article and comments. Lots of work by Jay. We know from scripture that some will be blind to prophetic truth as it progresses, and this is most likely in varying degrees. But seeing what is happening in the world today, especially in the Mideast, Africa and around Israel, it is amazing that the Islamic elephant in the room can still be invisible or inconsequential to so many people. The “thief in the night” and that “day as a snare” can be avoided in part with the right information and perspective.
    Talk with people, give them a book, pray for direction, contribute to the right organizations.

15. Hi FX,

    The Two House movement is built on a series of partial truths and a whole lot of errors. This theory, introduced to the Body of Messiah by Batya Wootten and “Marvin Koniuchowsky” has caught on like wild-fire in many circles. Koniuchowsy, as you know has gone on to teach that polygamy, concubinage, and even slavery are all acceptable for believers to partake in. He is truly an apostate and false teacher of the highest order.

    Those who support the Two House doctrine are often seen to make the following argument: Modern day Israel does not meet the requirement of the promise made to Abraham that his physical descendants would be as numerous as the stars of the sky or the sand of the sea. Therefore we must look to Gentile believers globally to see the fulfillment of the promise to Abraham’s physical descendants. The problem with this argument is that it attempts to take eastern hyperbole and interpret it in a hyper-literal sense. There is nothing to say that modern day Jewry does not meet this requirement. 2 Chron 1:9 for example states clearly that the (far smaller number of people) whom King Solomon reigned over were “a people as numerous as the dust of the earth.”

    The next claim that you made that the ten northern tribes have not in any way been rejoined to modern Jewry is simply not true. Or not entirely true. Of course, may of the descendants of those who were exiled are now dispersed among the nations. We fully agree on this point. But to say that modern day ISrael only represents 2/12ths of “all Israel” is not accurate. Many from among the northern ten tribes have already rejoined Israel and are represented among global Jewry today. For example, as far back as Ezra, after the return of the Babylonian exile, we read that “and all Israel lived in their cities.” (Ezra 2:70). In other words, the return from Babylon was not merely for “Judah” only. Zechariah also speaks to those who had returned to the land from among Medo-Persian exiles thusly: “Oh house of Judah and house of Israel” (8:13, 8:15). Zechariah also distinguishes these exiles from the Gentiles (Zech 8:23).

    Later in Acts, Peter refers to his “Jewish” audience as “all the house of Israel” (Acts 2:36; 4:10; 5:21; 10:36; 21:28). John the Baptist proclaimed his baptism of repentance “to all the people of Israel.” (Acts 13:24) despite the fact that his audience were all “Jews”. In Acts 26:7, Paul refers to the hope of “our twelve tribes”. Anna, who prayed in the Temple awaiting the Messiah was from the tribe of Asher (Luke 2:36). Paul was from the tribe of Benjamin.

    So we must acknowledge that “All ISrael” to some measure is now included among those who are today called “Jews”.

    The gathering in of the Gentiles in the NT was not ever described as a prophesied fulfillment of the regathering of “Israel”, but was always viewed as something new, an unexpected mystery that was being revealed. In Romans 11:7-14, Paul says that the reason that salvation has come to the Gentiles, is to make “Israel” jealous. Of course, by Israel, he meant the physical Jews. He does not say that the Gentiles are actually Israel. Yet this is essentially what many Two House teachers will claim.

    In any case, I could go on and on. As I said, while there is some truth in the notion that there are residual genes of some of the tribes among the Gentiles, the teaching of the Two House doctrine that all or most Christians are in fact no longer Gentiles, but actually Israel, is an error that is causing great confusion among many within the Body of Messiah today. We are best served to understand that modern day Israel represents the full 12 tribes of Israel. Though many are lost among the Gentiles today, when Jesus returns, he will fully restore all that was lost.

    That said, I do not have the time to debate it or discuss it any further here as this issue quickly becomes a huge argument with dozens of very passionate folks weighing in. I hope you understand.

    Blessings!

16. Many who seek to put the church under the yoke of the outward expression of the Law, rather than the inward Spirit of the Law, which is what Jesus intended, claim that the conclusion of the Acts 15 Council was to say yes to the question of should the Gentiles observe the Law. But clearly the answer they came to was no. The answer was “why should we put the Gentiles under the burden that we ourselves could not bear?” The remainder of the NT continued to teach this. The New Covenant was about the Law being written within. Outwardly keeping the Law could never make one righteous!

17. Bonsoir Joel,

    I fully understand dear bro! Let’s stop the debate here!

    Grace, mercy and peace.

    Blessings!

    FX

18. Joel,

    If someone sought to wipe out the Jewish nation this would of course, indeed be of great concern, in the same way that the genocide in Rewanda was. But if you are right about this then what can any of us actually do to prevent something decreed from eternity in prophecy? And in speaking about the challenge to the church, what should the church outside Israel actually do?

    Re Daniel 9 26 tell me, is this verse speaking of Jesus Christ yes or no? If yes, then what does this next verse mean: “and, the people of the prince who is to come will destroy the city and the santuary….”

    I assume you agree with me that this is AD 70. But I assume you also agree that these and other scriptures also seem overlaid by a second terrible event still to come.

    Blessings

19. Dear Dave:

    I am obviously, not Joel. But I personally attended the conference where he answered your above question. It was my first conference in understanding the Islamic paradigm. He video taped that conference as well. I believe it was his second video, part 2. You would be very wise to pick up this up and learn the answer for yourself. I wrote like a maniac until my hand hurt.

    Blessings!

20. Dave,

    I don’t think it is necessary to detail the virtually unlimited number of things that one could do in the face of such a national tragedy. I know various ministries that are preparing places of refuge for not only Jews, but all those in need in the difficult days ahead. I know Egyptian believers who are preparing Egypt once again to be a place of refuge for the Jews. I know of various ministries in Africa and Europe that are doing the same. While the tragedy will be national, it will certainly not be restricted to the Middle East alone. That said: one thing is clear: Passivity in the face of such tremendous evil will not go unpunished. Jesus made this quite clear. And fatalism will be no excuse. Fatalism is always the wrong reaction to prophecy. (Or Calvinism). One should always do what one is commanded, and always do what is right. As just one example: I do not believe that I can resolve the Jewish / Palestinian conflict, but if given the opportunity, I might be able to help bring reconciliation between perhaps a handful or more Jews and Arabs. And if I am given the opportunity, I should certainly do so. I might not be able to eliminate poverty, but I can minuter to thousands of those who are poor. Jesus said the poor you will always have with you. So do I resign myself to passivity and do nothing? Of course not. So one does what one can on the micro / individual level, and while committing the larger picture to prayer, one simply entrusts it to the Lord. But one thing the Scriptures are clear concerning: The Lord will absolutely use the controversy of Zion and the global rage against the Abrahamic Covenant (through which the very faithfulness and integrity of God is at stake) at the end of the age as his primary scale to weigh the heart of men. We would all do well to pay heed.

    Blessings

21. Okay, Joel and Good4u, thanks for the answers.

22. Dave, We are the body of Messiah. As such we all have different roles to play. If you seek and ask you will find it. Awakening the Church to this reality is not such a bad role to play here and now, but of course it is only one role. Yeshua has one prepared for you to walk in.

23. To gain understanding of Roman’s 8:14 “Son’s of God” will help to explain their (hopefully our)role in end-times ministry. Many years ago, God told me to read this chapter everyday until I understood it. It is the only page that falls out of my bible, and I still don’t fully understand it. I do know it is leading us to be “more than conquerors (8:37)” empowered by His Love.

24. The family of Corrie Ten Boom ripped out pages of scripture and placed them in their shoes prior to their imprisonment by the Nazis. One page was Romans 8. O.A. it looks like your page is shoe ready! Gives walking on God’s promises new meaning. The Ten Booms were a wonderful example of facing tribulation. I believe they rescued over 800 Jews from persecution and death. After his capture Corrie’s dad was asked, “Do you know you can die for helping Jews?” to which he replied, “I would consider it an honor for helping God’s ancient people”

25. Jim,

    Bingo! Thanks for sharing that.

    Blessings

26. Thanks, Jim, I had not heard the Corrie story about Romans 8. That’s a great encouragement. Paul understood it when he proclaimed, “It is no longer I who lives, but Christ lives in me.. (Gal. 2:20).” I really believe God is raising up an end-times Gideon army, “Sons of God.” For many years my major role in this end-time ministry has been that of intercessor. My presesnt enlightment about Islam and Israel in these last days started with a simple burden to pray for Muslims back in Dec. 2013. Since that time my heart and mind has been like a Spirit led spong soaking up enlightment as to what God is doing in this final show-down between the kingdom of darkness and the kingdom of light. A careful study of John 14, 15 & 16 helps us to understand that the indwelling Spirit will not only lead us into all truths, but will also show us things to come. Things that are necessary to be fruitful to interceed on God’s behalf. His name has been blasphemed long enough by Islam.

27. I meant to say that my burden to pray for the salvation of Muslims started back in Dec. 2012, not 2013. If I might add my opinion as to the interpation of end-time prophecy, I think it is more important to have a command of what the scriptures has to say, as opposed to trying to come up with interpations. Interpations tend to lock us into set view points, and could keep us from recognizing fullfillment as it unfolds. A good example took place back in the 70’s when I was involved with High Advernture’s Voice of Hope Radio project which was built is South Lebanon which at the time was controlled by the strong arm of the PLO. We constructed two powerful am transmitters, a fm and a short-wave transmitter all within the range of Beaufort Castle, the PLO’s stronghold. We also grabed the only vhf tv channel (ch.12) which the PLO was trying to desperately get on the air, and with very humble beginnings got what we called “The Star of Hope” on the air, today it is known as “Mid East Television”, the most watched tv in all the Middle East. It was the most miraculous ministry I’ve ever been involved with. The one thing that undergirded our faith most was our recognizing that we were fullfilling Is. 29:17-19. Mr. George Otis, founder of High Adventure wrote a book titled, “Voice Of Hope” which recorded many of the miracles we wittnessed. It is out of print, but you might find a copy on-line. We were there when Bridgett Gabriel lived there as a little girl. You probably know the impact she is now having in alerting the US of the dangers of Islam.

28. “For example, as far back as Ezra, after the return of the Babylonian exile, we read that “and all Israel lived in their cities.” (Ezra 2:70).”

    Joel,

    Israel was divorced from YHWH at the time of Ezra 2. Remember the words of the Book of the Prophet Jeremiah:

    “וָאֵרֶא, כִּי עַל-כָּל-אֹדוֹת אֲשֶׁר נִאֲפָה מְשֻׁבָה יִשְׂרָאֵל, שִׁלַּחְתִּיהָ, וָאֶתֵּן אֶת-סֵפֶר כְּרִיתֻתֶיהָ אֵלֶיהָ; וְלֹא יָרְאָה בֹּגֵדָה יְהוּדָה, אֲחוֹתָהּ–וַתֵּלֶךְ, וַתִּזֶן גַּם-הִיא.‏”
    “And I saw, when, forasmuch as backsliding Israel had committed adultery, I had put her away and given her a bill of divorcement, that yet treacherous Judah her sister feared not; but she also went and played the harlot;”

    Israel is the name of God’s people as a whole. In the time of David and Solomon, Israel was fractured into 2 houses, the HOUSE OF ISRAEL and the HOUSE OF JUDAH. Collectively, these two house composed Israel as a whole.
    When God divorces the House of Israel, the 10 Northern tribes were kicked out of Israel (God’s community). “Israel” meaning God’s people rightfully no longer included the divorced 10 tribes of Lost Sheep.

    Thus, the comment in Ezra 2 is correct “and all Israel lived in their cities.”

    It DOES NOT mean that the divorced tribes were reintegrated under the banner of the house of Judah. You are in error for inserting that into the text. The text did not make that claim. This verse simply means that the House of judah was all that was left of Israel (since the House of Israel was divorced and exiled).

    Blessings.

29. Dirk,

    I’ve allowed your one comment to be posted despite the fact that I banned you sometime ago.

    But to address your comments: On the contrary, the Lord never changed the definition of “all Israel” to only include Judah as you say. This is why Zechariah speaks to those who had returned to the land from among the Babylonian and the Medo-Persian exiles thusly: “Oh house of Judah and house of Israel” (8:13, 8:15). If Judah was now “all Israel” as you say, then Zechariah’s word would be redundant and make no sense. We must support what the Scriptures say and not change them to accommodate our views, in this case, the false doctrines of the Two-House Movement.

    Blessings

30. Hi Joel, I’ve been trying to sort out my thinking on a number of end-times things. One is the Time of Jacob’s trouble. It could be that what Kerry is up to at the moment could result in the Temple Mount/Jerusalem becoming rather international and would allow for the building of the next temple. It the Antichrist is going to set himself up in it midway into the 7 years, and all Muslims worship him as their saviour, wouldn’t this spell a major disaster for Judea as millions of Muslims will want to come there on pilgrimage, and not Mecca. Satan won’t have a use for Mecca anymore, will he? Jews would certainly want to flee with such a threatening invasion.
    Also, I can’t see how what Kerry is doing will lead to the Antichrist’s peace treaty. Don’t we have to see the Muslim 10 nation confederation first, before the little horn appears? What Kerry is doing may well lead to the nations dividing God’s land, however.
    Won’t Saudi Arabia as the Harlot be in a difficult position when Muslims shift their focus from Mecca to the Temple Mount?