by Dalton Lifsey
© 2011 

There are scores of Christian authors, speakers, pastors, and bloggers who are boldly calling the Church to stand with Israel as the crisis in the Middle East continues to escalate before the future “time of Jacob’s trouble” (Jer. 30:7; Dan. 12:1-7; Mt. 24:15-22). I’m extremely grateful for that. I hope this company of believers continues to grow and mature.

But to the degree that I am encouraged I am also burdened. Let me explain.

A large contingent–if not the majority–of those leaders who are anticipating a future hour of suffering for the Jewish people don’t believe the Church will be here when the final hour of tribulation unfolds. They expect that every believer will be caught up in a secret rapture to witness Israel’s age-ending affliction from the balcony of heaven. [Read more...]