26 Aug 2024
Where We’re Supposed to Be
This week I want to muse a little bit. A regular analysis of what’s going on in Gaza is being covered (I did think it interesting that Donald Trump said in his Arizona rally speech that he thinks most of the hostages are dead). As always, I strive to give you information you might not get anywhere else.
So, to the musing.
I’ve been out of Christian publishing—as an active editor for a publisher—for 17 years. I’ve kept my hand in, of course, but I’ve worked for myself ever since. I started with the company in 1993, and began to get a real education into what is really going on in the American Church. I’ve written about some of that many times. This week, I want to share with you a conversation I had this week with a friend that is still in the publishing industry.
I pitched a project with “Israel” in the title.
I was told in response that Christian books with that name in the title are no longer welcome. For two reasons:
•Retailers don’t want them. Now, most of the formerly large book chains (Family Christian Stores, Lifeway stores) are no longer in existence. So that leaves some small chains and probably a couple thousand independents.
•The rank-and-file in the Church are no longer interested and in fact, the “depth “of knowledge in the churches is tiny. Like, you could walk on water in that “ocean.”
Are you shocked? I hope so.
My friend was very helpful with the feedback. In fact, I’m a person that just wants information. If the news is bad or good, legitimate information helps me make right decisions. I don’t want to see the world the way I wish it was. That’s living in a fantasy world.
So what we are looking at is, I believe, a downturn in what I call legitimate Bible prophecy study. I’ll upset some people with this next statement, but I don’t believe true Bible study is about alleged portals around the world, an over-emphasis on the Nephilim, or obsessing over who the antichrist is, or whether he is now alive on the planet.
These might be interesting subjects, but IN MY OPINION, the prophecy community has so concentrated on outlier topics (in the context of Scripture) that we have neglected really TEACHING people. Primarily, we did not teach them very basic things: What is Israel? Who are the Jews? Why should we care?
We neglected geography, history, and the Jews’ role in world history—which is gigantic.
There are other reasons we find ourselves in this moment. I could add to that bullet list a very real and significant villain.
The Church-Growth Movement.
After almost 50 years of the so-called Seeker-Driven movement, we have an American Church so self-absorbed and focused exclusively on the love of God, true Bible study and knowledge has virtually vanished from the scene. As always, I do very much know there are still thousands of faithful, small churches. They do teach the Word of God. But the platforms belong to the false teachers.
I’d like to ask a few questions:
•How often does JD Greear of Summit Church teach about Israel, the Jews, and Bible prophecy?
•How often does Rick Warren’s handpicked successor, Andy Wood of Saddleback Church teach about Israel, the Jews, and Bible prophecy?
•How often does Andy Stanley of North Point Church teach about Israel, the Jews, and Bible prophecy?
I could go on asking this same question and plugging in the names of famous pastors, but I think you get the point. The answer of course to the above questions is, almost never. Or, never.
They have contributed mightily to widespread biblical illiteracy in this country. That’s a fact.
Pro-Israel support in this country is slipping. It might be circling the drain. This is the reality.
Now, what I’ve written to this point is a little depressing, it is dismaying. However.
I am going to continue doing what I’m doing. I will never have a huge platform. Having a huge platform requires lethal compromise. It’s the devil’s game.
I live in the country with my dog. My family is close by. I rarely leave the Farm. I have fantastic friends, a small circle. Some of them I’ve never met! I pay attention to the news, but not obsessed with it. I hope Trump wins. I will vote for him, enthusiastically. But politics is not my future. I know that the vapid, malevolent figures that dominate our government, Media, and entertainment communities bloom for a very short time, then they will dry up and blow away and not be remembered.
What I care about is teaching about Israel, the Jews, and overall Bible prophecy. If a publisher doesn’t want my books, I’ll self-publish. I know a couple of fine, small, independent publishers. I would be proud to work with them. I don’t need celebrities. I never did. I couldn’t care less about the approval of men. I am very happy and more importantly, content. I will do what I do and when I exit the scene, I will leave with no regrets. I will not stand before my Creator and try to explain why I told my massive audience to “unhitch from the Old Testament.” I will not have to explain why I (like Warren, Ed Stetzer and their legion of friends) mocked and marginalized Bible prophecy.
I’ve been to Israel 10 times. I’ve stood on the Temple Mount six times. I’ve prayed there, facing the Mount of Olives, eagerly anticipating the return of our Lord. I am now having an ongoing conversation with a friend with terminal illness; we both motivate each other that the Rapture might occur before I finish this sent—
(Haha!)
I have been part of some wonderful books about Israel and Bible prophecy, from men like Terry James, David Lewis, and many more. Giants of the faith. I wouldn’t trade any of my experiences with any celebrity pastor that purposely suppresses the truth.
As long as I can, I will continue cranking-out pro Israel and pro Bible prophecy stuff. Happily, with joy in my heart.
Infinitely good things are ahead of us. Israel’s eternal glory is ahead of her. I am thrilled every day to see that while the world thinks it is winning…Israel, the Bible, and those that love God are right where we’re supposed to be. Right on cue.
I was down for about three seconds after my friend’s feedback. Not anymore.
I have things to do. And miles to go before I sleep.
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