Daniel’s 70 Weeks
If you adhere to the literalist-premillennialist interpretation of Daniel’s prophecy of 70 weeks (Dan. 9:24–27), here is what you believe: The 70th “week” (seven-year period, also known as the Tribulation) still remains…
Prophetic Studies
The Sound of the Trumpet
The apostle Paul used the Roman military trumpet as a metaphor for spiritual battle. First-century historian Josephus wrote that the Roman army did nothing, except by trumpet signals. He listed…
That ‘Chunk of Dirt’ They Call Home
Does God really care where the Jewish people live? Why don’t they simply move their homeland to somewhere less controversial? Yes, God cares. And here’s why.
A Look at the Millennial Temple
Although some scholars question the reality of a literal, future Temple, the prophet Ezekiel described it in great detail. He provided its dimensions (Ezek. 40—43) and spoke of a future…
The Israel to Come
The world has a plan for Israel. It thinks it knows how to bring peace to this tortured land. Yet all its attempts—the Camp David Accords, Oslo, Wye River, and the Road…
The Unpopular Truth
I’ve been to many churches during my lengthy ministry with The Friends of Israel. Most have welcomed me warmly. But I spoke at one recently that did not. Even the pastor…
His Eye is on the Sparrow
In the spring of 1905, Civilla Martin and her husband, Pastor Walter Martin, visited their friends the Doolittles in Elmira, New York. Mrs. Doolittle had been bedridden for 20 years…
The Trouble with Preterism
Has all prophecy been fulfilled? Preterists say yes, God has done it all. Such skewed theology is not only bad for Israel, it’s bad for the church as well.
Victory at Armageddon
Some say Israel’s existence threatens world stability. Eliminate Israel and the world will achieve peace. So say the misinformed. Yet this worldview is thriving. In fact, a day is coming…
Tuning in on the Last Days
Many people today want to know if we’re living in the last days. There’s an easy way to tell. You just need to know what you’re looking for.
The Herald Cometh
Most people are familiar with Luke 2 as the beginning of the Christmas story. But the wondrous account actually begins earlier, with an elderly priest who enters the Temple to burn incense.
The Promise
Have you ever thought of this? If God did not fulfill His promises literally, we would never have Christmas. See for yourself!
The Message and the Maiden
A backwater town called Nazareth. A common Jewish girl called Mary. An angelic messenger called Gabriel. And a promise of God. These all converged to change history for all time in something called the Incarnation.
Is Anything Too Hard for the Lord?
So you don’t believe a virgin can bear a child? You’re not alone. But you should believe it, particularly if you’re Jewish. Read this article and learn why.
In the Fullness of Time
Many secular people mistakenly believe that, except for the story of Jesus in the Gospels, there is no historical record of the man Jesus Christ. This is not true. Jewish sources…
For You and For Me
It was worse than a nightmare. There Mary stood as her son Jesus hung on a Roman cross between two criminals. With her sister Salome, Mary the wife of Clopas (probably her sister-in-law)…
Matthew 1: Certificate of Authenticity
For 132 years the Westminster Kennel Club (WKC) Dog Show has been held in New York City. Broadcast on cable television from Madison Square Garden, this fierce competition is considered one of the most prestigious…
A Star in the Heavens
The Magi were an old, powerful priestly caste that practiced astronomy as well as astrology. Naturally, they would have been familiar with the writings of Balaam the Mesopotamian (Dt. 23:4).
Modern Israel in Biblical Prophecy
Although many people, including some Christians, deny that Israel’s return to the land is biblical, they are wrong. It is extremely biblical. And here’s why.
The Rainbow Connection
Many years ago my wife and I were on our way to the Jersey Shore in a driving rain. As we drew closer to our destination, the rain began to subside…
The Battle for Jerusalem, the City of the Great King
Jerusalem. The mere mention of it evokes a response. Many love it and passionately desire to visit this ancient city of King David. Or they long to walk where Jesus walked.
Learning to Wait on God
A biblical prophecy is not merely a prediction. It is a sure promise about the future. God is ever faithful to keep His promises, even though He often does so many years down the road.
Isaiah 53 and the Messiah of Israel Part Three
In Isaiah 53:8 the prophet spoke of the distorted trial held for the Servant of the Lord and of His death: “He was taken from prison and from judgment, and who will declare His generation?
Isaiah 53 and the Messiah of Israel Part Two
Who is the Servant of the Lord presented in Isaiah 53? The answer is critical to understanding the great price God paid for our redemption. Some believe Isaiah 53 does…
How to Identify Him
Genesis 49:10—His Authority The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a law-giver from between his feet, until Shiloh comes; and to Him shall be the obedience of the people. This portion…
Isaiah 53 and the Messiah of Israel Part One
Editor’s Note: Seven hundred years before Jesus was born, God led the Jewish prophet Isaiah to describe Him so clearly that the people of Israel—and the world—would recognize the Messiah. The incontestable…
It’s All or Nothing
In 1960 Christian entertainer Pat Boone wrote lyrics for the theme song of a movie based on Leon Uris’s popular novel Exodus. Exodus told the epic story of the Jewish…
The Importance of a Literal Interpretation
Hermeneutics is the art and science of interpretation. When most readers open a newspaper or book, they assume the author intends for them to understand what he is saying. They also instinctively…
Beyond the Veil to the Future
The definitive New Testament chapter on the identification of Israel and the prophetic destiny and relationship of Christians to the Jewish people is chapter 11 of the book of Romans. God spelled…
Who is Israel?
To whom does the term Israel refer? Many Christians today claim the word Israel in the Bible refers to the church because the church, they say, has replaced Israel in God’s…
For the Glory of God
You don’t need to be a theologian to understand Dispensationalism. You only need to grasp some of the important points explained here.
Why Study Biblical Prophecy?
Many people have negative attitudes toward the study of biblical prophecy. Some say, “I’m only concerned about the present, so don’t bother me with ideas about the future.” Or, “Nobody…
The Rapture
At least seven years before He sets His feet on planet Earth once again, Jesus Christ will descend from heaven. The bodies of Christians who have died during the Church Age…
The Tribulation
More than 37 million people died during World War I. Another 62 million died in World War II. Despite the horror of those numbers, they are miniscule compared to the billions…
The Second Coming of Jesus Christ
The Second Coming of Jesus Christ is one of the cardinal doctrines of the Christian faith. It is sometimes confused with the Rapture of the church. However, there are distinctions…
The Millennium
The Millennium is the term used to refer to the final dispensation in human history, when mankind’s stewardship will be to live in harmony with the risen, glorified Savior. Despite Jesus’ physical…
Satan’s Last Hurrah
The most intense period of the continuing war between Satan and God will be the last seven years before Jesus the Messiah returns in His Second Coming to crush Satan…
The Faithful Remnant
To most people, the word remnant means something that is left over. Leftovers aren’t usually thought of positively. One thinks of leftover food, a sock that missed the laundry, or screws…
Ezekiel the Man
Ezekiel, whose name means “God strengthens,” was born in 627 B.C. to a priestly family in Judah. His father’s name was Buzi (Ezek. 1:3). Ezekiel was married (24:18), owned a house…
Hallowed Be Your Name Ezekiel 36
The Israelites profaned God’s holy name and have suffered ever since. But their story does not end there, because God has a perfect plan that will glorify Him.
The Rebirth of Israel Ezekiel 37
In Ezekiel 37, God asked, “Son of man, can these bones live?” The answer so far is the story of a nation’s resurrection to physical life. But even more lies ahead.
Just As He Promised Ezekiel 39:21–29
The Jewish people, like many others, have struggled to trust God. Do their failures mean He has forsaken them? His Word has the answer.
War: What Is It Good For? Ezekiel 38:1—39:16
God’s prophetic Word reveals much about war, particularly the great, future battle involving Gog and Magog.
Worship in the Kingdom
Zechariah 14:16–21: The Messiah’s Second Coming is the dominant theme of chapter 14. His return will be sudden, unexpected, visible, personal, powerful, glorious, and triumphant. When He steps on the Mount…
One God, Three Entities Part One
The prayer of the Shema (“Hear, O Israel,” Dt. 6:4) has always been the fundamental declaration of faith of the Jewish people and the State of Israel. In one short…
Israel’s Glorious Kingdom
Zechariah 14:8–15: As Zechariah’s prophecy neared its conclusion, the prophet described a number of physical changes that will take place in Israel immediately prior to the establishment of the Millennial Kingdom. Israel’s topography…
The Yom Kippur Scapegoat
The ancient Israelites must have stood in awe when they observed the first ever, God-ordained celebration of Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. This ritual was different from all others the Lord had given…
Messiah’s Glorious Return
Zechariah 14:1–7: Zechariah closed his prophetic predictions with a sweeping consummation of Israel’s future. The prophet described three major events that will take place: (1) a future invasion of Jerusalem during the Great…
Israel’s Defilement Removed
Zechariah 13:1–9: In the previous chapter, we saw God pour out His grace on Israel, resulting in the nation’s redemption, its reconciliation to God, and its renewed covenant relationship with Him. In chapter 13, Zechariah…
Israel’s Salvation
Zechariah 12:1–14: Will Israel survive the hatred and unceasing persecution that has plagued it for centuries? Although it faces a cauldron of unrelenting conflict, Israel will survive the world’s attempts to annihilate it. The last…
Israel’s Rejected Shepherd
Zechariah 11:1–17: In Zechariah 9 and 10, the Messiah is revealed as a compassionate Shepherd who will someday reunite and restore Israel. The revelation greatly encouraged Israel, but the good news was quickly dispelled…
Israel’s Messianic Shepherd
Zechariah 10:1–12: In the previous chapter, the Lord is pictured as a shepherd who saves Israel, and Israel becomes “the flock of His people” (9:16). Israel’s redemption will take place when the nation…
Israel’s Messianic King
Zechariah 9:9–17: When Alexander the Great conquered the Middle East, he did not lay siege to Jerusalem. The Jewish people survived his conquest because God kept His promise to protect the city (9:8).
The Grecian Conqueror
Zechariah 9:1–8: The six remaining chapters of Zechariah’s prophecy consist of events pertaining to God’s eschatological program for Israel. They cover a vast period that extends from the Grecian era under Alexander the Great…
Israel’s Glorious Restoration
Zechariah 8:1–23: In the previous chapter, a delegation from Bethel questioned the necessity of continuing to fast over the destruction of Solomon’s Temple. Zechariah did not address the issue directly; instead, he used the question to reflect…
Perusing the Future Matthew 24:1–14
Some people believe the Olivet Discourse has already been fulfilled. This excellent article explains why they are wrong.
Understanding the Olivet Discourse
Jesus’ instruction to His disciples from the Mount of Olives (Mount Olivet, giving it the name the Olivet Discourse) appears in Matthew 24—25; Mark 13; and Luke 17:20–37. It is one of the Bible’s most…
The Time of Jacob’s Trouble Matthew 24:15–31
There’s no mystery about what the future holds. The Old and New Testaments fit together like a hand in a glove to reveal what is to come.
Illustrations From the King Matthew 24:32–51
Learn what Jesus meant when He answered the question, “What will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?”
The Judgement and Return Matthew 25:31–46
What will happen when Christ returns to Earth? A lot. And not everything will make everyone happy.
Finding Eden
Long ago, in the misty echoes of ancient time, there was a first man and a first woman. They walked in the cool, green shade, surrounded by lush, fruitful trees and benevolent beasts. The region…
The Lamb in the Apocalypse
Students of Scripture have long observed that the central message of God’s Word is reflected in the motif of the Lamb, who is Jesus. The Lamb in the Old Testament is seen on the altar. In…
Making the Wrong Assumptions
Never assume anything.” This well-known adage works particularly well when applied to the science of biblical interpretation. Assuming too much about a scriptural text can lead to inaccurate conclusions that miss…
Staying Alive
In answering their questions regarding future events, Jesus gave His disciples a ray of hope: “But he who endures to the end shall be saved” (Mt. 24:13). What did He mean? The key is the phrase…
False Teachers
False teachers can pose a health hazard. Perhaps you remember some from our own time. On November 19, 1978, 913 followers of Jim Jones committed suicide at the People’s Temple in Jonestown, Guyana, by drinking…
Fasting Without Fidelity
Zechariah 7:1–14: A delegation from Bethel arrived in Jerusalem seeking counsel from priests and prophets concerning fasting. They asked whether the annual fast commemorating the destruction of Solomon’s Temple should be continued since a rebuilt…
Messiah’s Coronation and Reign
Zechariah 6:1-15: What a long night Zechariah must have experienced. He had already received seven apocalyptic visions unveiling Israel’s future, and the eighth was soon to come. This final vision would reveal God’s judgment of the nations…
Expecting a Call at Any Moment
Are you looking for the undertaker or the “uppertaker”? Theological complexities certainly do exist. But the vast majority of the Bible is unmistakably simple.
Israel’s Wickedness Removed
Zechariah 5:1–11: Zechariah’s first five visions greatly encouraged and comforted the Jewish remnant returning from Babylon. They revealed that the lord would return to Jerusalem with mercy, give Israel victory over its enemies, reestablish and enlarge Jerusalem…
God’s Holy Mountain
The phrase God’s holy mountain appears 18 times in the Old Testament; and though it defines two significant locations during different periods…
Serving in God’s Spirit
Zechariah 4:1–14: The official seal for the State of Israel was unveiled on February 10, 1949. It consists of a seven-branched menorah (lampstand/ candelabra) with…
Vision Four: Israel’s Cleansing
God specifically chose Israel to be a holy nation in which He could manifest His grace and truth to mankind (Ex. 19:5–8). Failing to live up to her elective calling, Israel committed gross immorality…
The Root of Every Blessing: The Abrahamic Covenant
God made specific, unconditional promises to Abraham. Learn exactly what these promises were and how they affect you.
The Davidic Covenant
David was a man after God’s own heart. And the covenant God made with him is everlasting, as this outstanding article explains.
Jerusalem’s Future Glory
No other city is more treasured by the Lord than Jerusalem. The prophet Ezekiel said that Jerusalem is set in the middle of the nations (Ezek. 5:5); and the prophet Ahijah called Jerusalem the city…
Bill Sutter’s Desk May/Jun 2004
It’s a term that arouses concern, even fear, in the hearts of people, especially if they are Jewish. It is also one of the most mischaracterized subjects of the Bible’s prophetic teachings.
The Invasion by Gog and Magog
Son of man, set thy face against Gog, of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him, And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD: Behold, I am against…
The New Heavens and New Earth
What a joy it will be to step from this life into the glorious future that awaits all true believers. But don’t think it will be all play and no work.
The Final Rebellion
Peace. Tranquility. Justice. They will cover the Earth like a blanket during the millennial rule. But will mankind be satisfied? What do you think?
The Restrainer
Someone or something is preventing evil from overtaking the world. And when this restrainer is removed, it truly will be like hell on Earth.
God’s Care for Judah
Upon the four and twentieth day of the eleventh month, which is the month Shebat, in the second year of Darius [January/February 519 B.C.], came the word of the LORD unto Zechariah, the son of…
The Foul Fruit of Apostasy
Many people profess to be Christians but reject the Bible as God’s Word; deny the deity of Christ; or repudiate the incarnation, virgin birth, resurrection…
A Literal Kingdom on Earth
Evangelicals often use the phrase One Messiah, two appearances. Although most of the world acknowledges the first appearance—a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger—few realize that this same Jesus will come again…
Called to Repentance
The book of Zechariah is among the most profound in the Old Testament and of great importance in view of the times and circumstances in which it was written. Zechariah summed up and condensed most…
God is Sovereign Conclusion
The previous article examined several biblical indications that God is sovereign over time. One of the most significant indicators of God’s sovereignty in that sphere is His amazing seventy-weeks prophecy delivered to Daniel in 538…
Nineveh’s Demise
Nahum 3:1-19: Assyria’s unrelenting violence, extortion, and brutality are well documented in the records of its history. More important, however, God kept track of such savagery; and He judged it. In chapter 3 Nahum continued his vivid description…
The More Things Change…
For thousands of years the world has produced people eager to destroy the nation of Israel. But the conflict is far greater than it appears.
Road Map to Armageddon
The PLO holds every terrorist record on the books, and Arafat has violated every agreement he ever made with Israel. What kind of “peace” lies ahead?
Who Is a God Like the Lord!
Micah 7:1-20: Micah’s grief over the deterioration of Judean society is poignantly expressed in this final chapter. The prophet lamented Judah’s sinful condition, knowing that the nation could not go unpunished. In the midst of sorrow…
It Is About Religion— and About Responsibility
Although many people say Islamic militancy is not about religion, the trail of blood says otherwise. Can there be a Sharia democracy? We don’t think so.
God’s Judgment Against Judah
Micah 6:1-16: In chapter six of Micah, God brings litigation against the people of Judah, charging them with gross immorality and idolatry. Judah is the defendant, and the Lord is both the prosecuting attorney and judge. Prosecution Revealed…
Jerusalem: In the Eye of the Storm Zechariah 12
No man-made treaties will end this world’s bitter fight over Jerusalem. God will end it Himself—in a most definitive and remarkable way.
The Final Cleansing Zechariah 13
Repentance and an end to sin, idolatry, and false prophets all await Israel in the spectacular final days before the restoration of the Davidic Kingdom.
The Day of the Lord Zechariah 14:1-7
Is it wrath or blessing? Is it one day or many? Actually, the Day of the Lord contains all these components, as this outstanding article clearly explains.
When God Comes to Jerusalem Zechariah 14:8-21
Someday God Himself will return to this planet to set up an eternal, unrivaled Kingdom. What will it be like? Here is a biblical glimpse into that glorious time.
The Messianic King and His Kingdom
Micah 5:1–15: For centuries, Jewish people have looked for the Messiah to deliver them from Gentile oppression, secure for them the land of Israel…
The Promise Continues
God never makes promises He doesn’t keep. And He will keep these.
A Future Hope for Israel
Micah 4:1-13: Many questions must have troubled King Hezekiah and the leaders of Judah when they heard Micah preach of the nation’s impending demise. After all, if Judah were destroyed, how would God fulfill the irrevocable promises
Micah’s Call for Justice
Micah 3:1-12: In the book of Micah, God holds Judah’s leaders responsible and accountable for their abuse of the underprivileged. Earlier, Micah condemned those who used the nation’s legal system to defraud people of their property…
Judah’s Corrupt Leaders
Micah 2:1-13: God gave the Jewish people the land of Canaan as an everlasting inheritance. However, their uninterrupted possession of it was conditioned on the nation walking in God’s ways and keeping His commandments. Failure…