I’m thankful to announce the completion of a new book—Understanding the Times: Living Courageously in Prophetic Days. The outgrowth of hundreds of hours of study, and many hours of labor from our publications staff, Understanding the Times explores Bible prophecy in reference to current events. It will be a helpful tool for every pastor and an encouraging resource for every Christian.

Biblical prophecy provides far more than information; it should motivate us to live with eternity in view and to intensify our witness for Christ. In addition to giving clarity on future events, this book will encourage every reader to a greater trust in the Lord.

Chapter titles include:

1. The Basics of Bible Prophecy
2. World Empires Old and New
3. The Focus on Israel
4. A Sudden Disappearance
5. A World in Terror
6. The One-World Ruler
7. The False Church or the True Saviour?
8. The Seven Years of Judgment
9. The Second Coming of Christ
10. The One Eternal Kingdom
11. Challenges in Light of His Coming

Understanding the Times is published by Striving Together Publications and will be available July 11. You can pre-order your copy today at strivingtogether.com.

I’m thankful for Memorial Day. First, I’m thankful for the unspeakably precious sacrifices men and women have made for our freedom. Second, I’m thankful that we have set aside a day to honor and commemorate these sacrifices. We so easily forget what is truly important in life—especially that which others have given us.

The history of the nation of Israel through the time of judges reveals that it’s not just Americans who have a foggy memory. Time and again, Israel forgot her God. Israel’s history is rich with miracles of God’s deliverance—and it’s replete with the miseries of her national spiritual forgetfulness. Judges 8:34 records, “And the children of Israel remembered not the Lord their God, who had delivered them out of the hands of all their enemies on every side.”

Israel’s history should serve as a memorial to us of what happens when nations forget God—their forgetfulness stages their national downfall. (more…)

In an era when we often hear speech about tolerance, were learning more and more that tolerance is really a myth with many leaders in our country today. These leaders seem to be intolerant towards the unborn, conservative Christians, and the very name of Jesus Christ.

Just this past week, such intolerance was expressed when an invitation to Evangelist Franklin Graham to lead prayer for a National Day of Prayer service in the Pentagon was rescinded. Why did the Pentagon withdraw their invitation? Because of Graham’s beliefs of the Islamic faith and his stand on the exclusivity of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Graham himself believes the Pentagon sought counsel of the White House in these actions.

USA Today reported from an interview with Graham: “Graham reiterated his belief that ‘Muslims do not worship the same God the Father I worship.’” Newsmax.com quoted Graham’s explanation of this incident: “‘I’m being restricted from my religious rights, and from what I believe,’ Graham warned, as he complained of a growing ’secularization’ in the government.”
(Follow these links to read complete USA Today and Newsmax.com articles.)

Every independent Baptist and indeed, every Bible believer should be concerned with the treatment of Franklin Graham. We should pray for our land, and stand together to proclaim Christ, to pray in our public places, and distribute the good news.

The Abrahamic Covenant of Genesis 12:1–3 promises God’s blessing to nations who remember and support the nation of Israel: “Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.”

Since the modern rebirth of Israel in 1948, the United States has stood as her ally and willingly assisted in her defense. I believe our support for Israel is one reason God has so generously blessed our nation.

In recent days, however, we’ve seen a change in spirit toward Israel. Our current administration evidenced dwindling support when dinner plans at the White House suddenly changed while hosting Israel as the following news article relates: (more…)

For twenty years, Lancaster has been a city of prayer with the city council opening its meetings in prayer. After a threat by the ACLU regarding this practice (especially as some prayers are given in the name of Christ), Mayor Rex Parris initiated ballot Measure I in the April 12 municipal elections. The measure read: “In response to a recent complaint, with respect to the invocations that contained reference to Jesus Christ, shall the City Council continue its invocation policy in randomly selecting local clergy of different faiths to deliver the invocation without restricting the content based on their beliefs, including references to Jesus Christ?” (more…)